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
Betty Fussell, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
Lawsone’s the red-orange dye present in the leaves of the henna plant, Lawsonia inermis.
—New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2025
As Eid al-Fitr gets into full swing, creators are sharing their preparations for the holiday — from henna designs to cake making and outfit inspo.
—Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
For accessories, West donned a bundle of chunky silver necklaces, blue eye contacts, a pair of temporary facial tattoos and a henna tattoo on her hand.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for henna
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Noun
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
Lawsone’s the red-orange dye present in the leaves of the henna plant, Lawsonia inermis.
—New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2025
As Eid al-Fitr gets into full swing, creators are sharing their preparations for the holiday — from henna designs to cake making and outfit inspo.
—Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
For accessories, West donned a bundle of chunky silver necklaces, blue eye contacts, a pair of temporary facial tattoos and a henna tattoo on her hand.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 22 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 4 Dec. 2025.
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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