botanical

1 of 2

adjective

bo·​tan·​i·​cal bə-ˈta-ni-kəl 

1

: of or relating to plants or botany

2

: derived from plants

3

: species

botanical tulips

botanically

bə-ˈta-ni-k(ə-)lē 

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 brand focuses on adaptogens and nootropics designed around mood, relaxation and social connection, with a botanical, wellness-forward flavor profile. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 22, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

Each of the five brands below stakes out a different corner of the space, from botanical spritzes to zero-proof sparkling wine made without ever producing alcohol in the first place. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026

Noun

Its proprietary complex of Amazonian botanicals can improve the look of firmness, elasticity, and overall skin texture. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 July 2026

River Botanicals is now bringing multiple product lines, from CBD to kratom, kava, and other botanicals, under one cohesive brand. — William Jones, USA Today, 16 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing botanical

• botanical garden

Rhymes for botanical

• brahmanical
• mechanical
• tyrannical
• biomechanical
• thermomechanical
• electromechanical
• panicle
• puritanical

Kids Definition

botanical

1 of 2 adjective

bo·​tan·​i·​cal bə-ˈtan-i-kəl 

1

: of or relating to plants or botany

2

: made or obtained from plants

botanical drugs

botanically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

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 

variants also botanic

bə-ˈtan-ik 

1

: of or relating to plants or botany

2

: derived from plants

botanically

-k(ə-)lē 

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