henna

1 of 2

noun

hen·​na ˈhe-nə 

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

henna

2 of 2

verb

hennaed; hennaing; hennas

transitive verb

: to dye with henna

a woman with hennaed hair

Examples of henna in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

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

Participants could also get henna art on their hands and have light refreshments. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025

In spring, a multi-colored terrain of citrus yellow and henna red, and a green flying carpet to the east and northwest. —Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025

This special event will include storytime, food, crafts and henna art. —Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Arabic ḥinnā'

First Known Use

Noun

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1851, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for henna

• bena
• bene
• gena
• kenna
• plena
• senna
• antenna
• duenna
• gehenna
• subpena

Kids 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