Definition of BASILS

Examples of basil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Rosemary, basil and thyme are pleasant-smelling additions to a garden that also provide fresh seasoning for home cooking. — Tim Johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Stop and smell the roses — or chocolate cosmos. These plants make your garden smell as good as it looks.," 11 June 2018 Small pots of rosemary and basil dispense their fragrances throughout the place, and the tables are simple but stylish, with neat white mats and wine served in tiny tumblers. — Maresa Manara, Condé Nast Traveler, "19 Best Spots for Aperitivo in Rome," 1 Mar. 2018 Remove from heat and toss with pasta, lemon juice, crab, and basil. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Pappardelle with Crab, Snap Peas, Orange, and Chiles," 29 Apr. 2019 Gonzalez’s kitchen showed some finesse with that zuppa, a generous helping of shellfish and calamari cooked just right in a delicate seafood broth tinted with tomato and basil. — Craig Laban, Philly.com, "Jersey Shore restaurants offer tasty food options from Cape May to LBI," 29 June 2018 Request the Godfather, which is filled with prosciutto, soppressata, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, sundried tomatoes and fresh basil. — Ed Condran, courant.com, "Philadelphia Emerges As Colorful Travel Destination," 24 June 2018 Chef D'Angelo’s signature lasagna is a popular dish, as is his fresh potato gnocchi topped with homemade tomato and basil sauce and fresh buffalo mozzarella. — Jennifer M. Wood, Condé Nast Traveler, "3 Best Day Trips from Miami," 4 Mar. 2018 Add the bell peppers, tomatoes, and basil; season with salt and pepper. — Daniel Boulud, ELLE Decor, "Leg of Lamb with Spring Vegetables Recipe," 7 Apr. 2010 Gorin keeps dried dill, basil, rosemary, cilantro, oregano, and parsley around for things like pasta, frittatas, salads, sandwiches, and more. — Audrey Bruno, SELF, "11 Spices Everyone Should Have in Their Pantry," 23 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'basil.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for basil

Noun

Middle English basyl, basyle, shortening (perhaps by confusion with Middle French basile "basilisk") of Middle French basilic or its source, Medieval Latin basilicon, borrowed from Greek basilikón (for presumed basilikòn phytón "royal plant"), noun derivative from neuter of basilikós "royal" — more at basilica

Note: The word basilikón as a name for a plant or herb is marginally attested in ancient and early post-classical Greek, the usual word for what is presumed to be Ocimum basilicum in Greek being ṓkimon. The identity of a lákhanon basilikón ("royal herb") in the pseudo-Aristotelian De plantis (2nd century b.c.) is uncertain. The lexicon of Hesychius (5th-6th centuries a.d., incorporating much ancient material) glosses ṓkimon as "fragrant herb, called basilikón" ("botánē euṓdēs, tò legómenon basilikón").

Learn More about basil