1
: a reddish-brown dye that is used especially on hair and in temporary tattoos and is obtained from the leaves of an Old World tropical shrub or small tree
2
: the Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family that yields henna dye and has small opposite leaves and clusters of fragrant usually white flowers
hennaed; hennaing; hennas
: to dye with henna
a woman with hennaed hair
Examples of henna in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
One participant described explaining biological pattern formation by connecting it to familiar artistic traditions in her community, such as the geometric and floral designs used in henna.
—Evelyn Valdez-Ward, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026
Not even when a bony lady in her eighties stepped onto the floor in a gown sequined with lizards that ran up her arms and neck to her henna-red wig.
—Betty Fussell, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
The humble henna plant, famed for its vibrant dye, could hold the key to healing scarred livers.
—New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for henna
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Noun
The event also featured a video about the three countries and fundraising for Sudan, poetry readings, a Kahoot game about the three dialects and prizes, henna and face painting, Syrian dance, a Sudanese wedding reenactment, a fashion show and ethnic food.
—Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
One participant described explaining biological pattern formation by connecting it to familiar artistic traditions in her community, such as the geometric and floral designs used in henna.
—Evelyn Valdez-Ward, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026
Not even when a bony lady in her eighties stepped onto the floor in a gown sequined with lizards that ran up her arms and neck to her henna-red wig.
—Betty Fussell, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
The humble henna plant, famed for its vibrant dye, could hold the key to healing scarred livers.
—New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for henna
Cite this Entry
“Henna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/henna. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
henna
1 of 2 noun
hen·na
ˈhen-ə 
: a reddish brown dye obtained from the leaves of an Old World tropical shrub and used especially on hair
henna
2 of 2 verb
hennaed
ˈhen-əd
; hennaing
: to dye or tint with henna
Medical Definition
henna
noun
hen·na
ˈhen-ə
1
: an Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family (Lythraceae) with clusters of fragrant white flowers
2
: a reddish brown dye obtained from the leaves of the henna plant and used especially on hair and in temporary tattoos
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