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
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
See All Example Sentences for henna
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
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 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share