botanical

1 of 2

adjective

bo·​tan·​i·​cal bə-ˈta-ni-kəl How to pronounce botanical (audio)
1
: of or relating to plants or botany
2
: derived from plants
3
: species
botanical tulips
botanically adverb

botanical

2 of 2

noun

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

Examples of botanical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The school has a strong variety of courses, which are taught by industry experts on topics such as spirit maturation, botanical spirit development, distillery operations, regulatory, compliance management, and compliance management. Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 22 Sep. 2024 Its power lies in Japanese camellia oil, a lightweight, nourishing botanical oil rich in vitamins and omegas. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2024
Noun
Some prints are inspired by her observations of the rock pools and shallow waters along the English coast, while other prints from the series feature playful botanicals and whimsical dancers. Leah Muncy, Architectural Digest, 20 Sep. 2024 There’s high tea in the lobby-level Tea Lounge, influenced by Singapore botanicals, and at Manhattan, world-class cocktails designed by talented head bartender Zana Möhlmann. Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for botanical 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'botanical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of botanical was in 1627

Dictionary Entries Near botanical

Cite this Entry

“Botanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/botanical. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

botanical

1 of 2 adjective
bo·​tan·​i·​cal bə-ˈtan-i-kəl How to pronounce botanical (audio)
1
: of or relating to plants or botany
2
: made or obtained from plants
botanical drugs
botanically adverb

botanical

2 of 2 noun
: a usually cosmetic or medicinal product prepared from or containing a plant part or extract
also : the plant part or extract used in such a product

Medical Definition

botanical

1 of 2 adjective
bo·​tan·​i·​cal bə-ˈtan-i-kəl How to pronounce botanical (audio)
variants also botanic
1
: of or relating to plants or botany
2
: derived from plants
botanically adverb

botanical

2 of 2 noun
variants also botanic
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on botanical

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