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
Every inch of surface area is covered by astrological symbols, narrative reliefs, elephants, botanical motifs — a visual catalogue of Hinduism, conceived by someone who abhors blankness. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 9 Nov. 2023 The botanical oil blends seamlessly, ensuring the invigorating mix of grapefruit, sage, and spearmint stays put. Liana Schaffner, Allure, 21 Sep. 2023 Gin Basil Smash The botanical fullness of gin makes the spirit an ideal match for vegetables. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2023 At Lodhi Garden, a botanical sprawl in the heart of New Delhi that draws diplomats, government officials and the city’s wealthy residents, two groups led by trainers practiced yoga between coughing fits. Sameer Yasir, New York Times, 12 Nov. 2023 For the cleanest plant outlines, do this project when the midday sun is directly overhead and with botanical materials that lay flat. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 3 Nov. 2023 Give the present of endless botanical possibilities this season with this propagation station. Kirsten Chanel Webber, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2023 These natural options offer an appealing path to improving one's intimate experiences, relying on the power of herbal ingredients, botanical extracts, and holistic approaches. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 21 Oct. 2023 And its newest stay, Life House Palm Springs, not only channels the town’s golden age of glamour but also incorporates Japanese influences and botanical elements. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2023
Noun
Soak in hops and other botanicals inspired by the monthly featured brewery. Linnea Covington, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 The drink is essentially a Screwdriver with a spike of liqueur that has some 30 botanicals but tastes distinctly of vanilla. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2023 The Dried Autumn Pumpkin Wreath honors the harvest season with a fiery mix of organic and life-like botanicals. Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2023 Find it on Amazon Stick Some Dried Flowers in the Christmas Tree One of the hottest trends this season is to incorporate botanicals into the holiday decor. Theresa Johnson, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2023 Indoor/Outdoor Use Fall wreaths are made from a variety of materials ranging from live, preserved, and faux botanicals. Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2023 Formulated with under 10 ingredients– including macadamia nut– the Chilean-Australian founder Pia Whitesell developed the balm with organic, native Australian botanicals to hydrate and protect your face and body. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 12 Oct. 2023 This has taken me everywhere from foraging for botanicals in Ireland to truffle hunting in Italy and visiting vineyards in Mendoza. Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 9 Oct. 2023 The Ultimate Chill Blend is available in two delightful flavors: chocolate mint and a refreshing blend of various botanicals. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 13 Aug. 2023 See More

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 2 Dec. 2023.

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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