eth·no·bot·a·ny
ˌeth-nō-ˈbä-tə-nē 
-ˈbät-nē
: the plant lore of Indigenous cultures
also
: the systematic study of such lore
: a specialist in ethnobotany
Examples of ethnobotany in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
La Jolla Light,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Nov. 2025
After decades of confusion, speculation, and debate among the greatest minds in ethnobotany, the elusive secret admixture plant of the ayahuasca potion had finally been identified.
—
Literary Hub,
16 July 2025
But beyond its environmental mission, the preserve helps students who take part in its upkeep learn hands-on lessons about ethnobotany and sustainability.
—
Hema Sivanandam,
The Mercury News,
24 Feb. 2025
While the focus is agave–there are over 200 types, with 160 endemic to Mexico– experts from remote spots around the globe share expertise about the super plant in the context of fermentation, biodiversity, microbes, conservation, climate change, ethnobotany and sustainability.
—
Rona Berg,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Indigenous Peoples Day at Eaton Canyon Take a free ethnobotany walk through Eaton Canyon today from 6 to 7 p.m. as part of the nature center’s slate of events for Indigenous Peoples Day.
—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Oct. 2024
Just as traditional Indigenous ethnobotany is leading to lifesaving drugs today, scientific testing of the ancient and medieval claims could lead to discoveries of new therapeutic plants.
—
Adrienne Mayor,
Discover Magazine,
28 May 2024
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Noun
The event will focus on ocean knowledge of Indigenous people of Southern California and Baja and feature bird singing, storytelling, ethnobotany with native plants, hands-on activities such as tule boat making, and information from Indigenous cultural and educational organizations.
—
La Jolla Light,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Nov. 2025
After decades of confusion, speculation, and debate among the greatest minds in ethnobotany, the elusive secret admixture plant of the ayahuasca potion had finally been identified.
—
Literary Hub,
16 July 2025
But beyond its environmental mission, the preserve helps students who take part in its upkeep learn hands-on lessons about ethnobotany and sustainability.
—
Hema Sivanandam,
The Mercury News,
24 Feb. 2025
While the focus is agave–there are over 200 types, with 160 endemic to Mexico– experts from remote spots around the globe share expertise about the super plant in the context of fermentation, biodiversity, microbes, conservation, climate change, ethnobotany and sustainability.
—
Rona Berg,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Indigenous Peoples Day at Eaton Canyon Take a free ethnobotany walk through Eaton Canyon today from 6 to 7 p.m. as part of the nature center’s slate of events for Indigenous Peoples Day.
—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Oct. 2024
Just as traditional Indigenous ethnobotany is leading to lifesaving drugs today, scientific testing of the ancient and medieval claims could lead to discoveries of new therapeutic plants.
—
Adrienne Mayor,
Discover Magazine,
28 May 2024
Cite this Entry
“Ethnobotany.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethnobotany. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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