Basil

biographical name

Bas·​il ˈbā-zəl How to pronounce Basil (audio) ˈba- How to pronounce Basil (audio)
-səl
variants or Basilius
Saint circa 329–379 the Great church father; bishop of Caesarea

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Cite this Entry

“Basil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Basil. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

basil

noun
bas·​il
ˈbaz-əl
ˈbāz-
ˈbas-
ˈbās-
: any of several plants of the mint family
especially : sweet basil
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