botanical

adjective bo·tan·i·cal \ bə-ˈta-ni-kəl \

|Updated on: 8 Jun 2018

Definition of botanical

1 : of or relating to plants or botany

2 : derived from plants

3 : species

botanical tulips

—

botanically

play \bə-ˈta-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See botanical defined for English-language learners

See botanical defined for kids

Recent Examples of botanical from the Web

Developed by New Zealand holistic trichologist Nigel Russell, this natural botanical line comes in eco-friendly packaging and is made with aloe vera and manuka honey, which is known for its soothing and antibacterial properties.

— rachel marlowe, Vogue, "This All-Green Apothecary in New Zealand Is Worth a Trek Across the Globe," 29 May 2018
Magdalena, a senior botanical horticulturist at London's Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, introduces readers to one of the island's zombie plants, the café marron: a small, glossy-leaved tree that's continuously covered with tiny white flowers.

— willy blackmore, latimes.com, "Saving the world one plant at a time in 'The Plant Messiah: Adventures in Search of the World's Rarest Species' by Carlos Magdalena," 6 Apr. 2018
Other classes offered: botanical painting and art, garden design, gardening techniques, yoga and tai chi.

— hannah steinkopf-frank, RedEye Chicago, "Want to try something new? From climbing to comedy, check out these 10 classes," 27 Mar. 2018
Beer might be among the most botanical of beverages.

— kathy flanigan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Guide to Milwaukee beer gardens — 2018 edition," 4 May 2018
But Carver’s botanical research at the Tuskegee Institute contributed greatly to peanut butter’s rise in popularity.

— michelle weber, Longreads, "Goodness, How Delicious, Eating Goober Peas," 2 May 2018
The event also will feature an oversized botanical centerpiece created by Fiesta Floats that provides a glimpse of how plant parts can be used for a float.

— daily pilot staff, latimes.com, "South Coast Plaza opens 4-day spring garden show," 27 Apr. 2018
Elliott sought out ways to marry her botanical formulas with the laboratory innovations of her counterparts.

— laura regensdorf, Vogue, "The One Facial You Need Just Landed in New York City—By Way of Japan," 23 Apr. 2018
Glow Recipe worked with Whamisa on a green tea line with antioxidants and botanical extracts that melts makeup and removes pore-clogging impurities.

— marian liu, CNN, "Beyond beauty: Korean makeup provides 'cosmeceuticals'," 11 Apr. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of botanical

French botanique, from Greek botanikos of herbs, from botanē pasture, herb, from boskein to feed, graze; probably akin to Lithuanian guotas flock

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1627

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

botanical

noun

Definition of botanical

plural botanicals

: a substance obtained or derived from a plant: such as

a : a plant part or extract used especially in skin and hair care products

Certain botanicals are naturals for bringing out the best in the color and condition of the hair.
—Elle

b : a medicinal preparation derived from a plant

The popular botanical ginkgo biloba does not improve memory, nor does it prevent cognitive decline in older people, according to the largest and longest scientific study conducted on the supplement.
—Elizabeth Weise

c : plant material used as a flavoring agent (as in gin) —usually plural

The makeup of gin is basically neutral grain spirits flavored with juniper and other botanicals, and reduced to no less than 80 proof with water.
—Emanuel and Madeline Greenberg

Recent Examples of botanical from the Web

That pretty pink hue can come from apple skins, the introduction of other fruits or botanicals, or artificial color.

— lisa futterman, chicagotribune.com, "Catching the rosé cider buzz, with a tasting of our favorites," 17 May 2018
So instead, Wiley surrounded him with botanicals to symbolize his personal story—chrysanthemums, the official flower of Chicago, jasmine as a nod to Hawaii, and African blue lilies for his Kenyan heritage.

— leena kim, Town & Country, "Amy Sherald and Kehinde Wiley Share Details of Working With the Obamas," 14 Feb. 2018
DeGeneres, a consummate house remodeler, recently launched the ED Ellen DeGeneres bedding collection for Bed Bath & Beyond, featuring six bedding patterns ranging from geometric prints to botanicals and washed textures.

— kelsey kloss, ELLE Decor, "Ellen DeGeneres Added A Bedding Collection To Her Lifestyle Brand," 20 May 2016
Green is a long standing favorite of in-the-know locals, who turn to owner Luke Carroll to offer expert advice on the perfect botanicals.

— noah zagor, chicagotribune.com, "Shop where models get facials and celebs get styled," 1 May 2018
Put simply, bitters are a flavoring extract made by macerating different ingredients—often dried botanicals that can range anywhere from fruit to bark—in a mixture of alcohol and water.

— lauren hubbard, Town & Country, "Everything You Need to Know About Bitters," 31 Oct. 2017
The flavors of the herbs and botanicals in the bitters complement the natural floral sweetness of ripe fruit.

— claire saffitz, Bon Appetit, "Raspberry Jam with Bitters," 23 Apr. 2018
The spirit has taken off in the city and surrounding areas and is being produced carefully by craft and artisanal distillers using botanicals evocative of the region.

— kathryn romeyn, The Hollywood Reporter, "How Hollywood Does Cape Town," 17 Apr. 2018
Fortunately there are plenty of great beard-specific shampoos out there that use special botanicals to help soften the hair and keep it from getting dried out.

— esquire editors, Esquire, "How to Care for Your Beard," 5 Feb. 2018

First Known Use of botanical

1836

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

BOTANICAL Defined for English Language Learners

botanical

adjective

Definition of botanical for English Language Learners

: of or relating to plants or the study of plants
: made from or taken from plants

BOTANICAL Defined for Kids

botanical

adjective bo·tan·i·cal \ bə-ˈta-ni-kəl \

Definition of botanical for Students

: of or relating to the study of plants

Medical Dictionary

botanical

adjective bo·tan·i·cal \ bə-ˈtan-i-kəl \

variants: also botanic play \bə-ˈtan-ik\

medical Definition of botanical

1 : of or relating to plants or botany

2 : derived from plants

—

botanically

play \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

botanical

noun

variants: also botanic

medical Definition of botanical

: a medicinal preparation derived from a plant : herbal remedy

The popular botanical ginkgo biloba does not improve memory, nor does it prevent cognitive decline in older people, according to the largest and longest scientific study conducted on the supplement.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2009