herb

noun

ˈərb 

US also and British usually

ˈhərb 

often attributive

1

botany : a seed-producing annual, biennial, or perennial that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season

2

: a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities

planted parsley, basil, and rosemary in her herb garden

3

slang : marijuana sense 2

herblike

ˈ(h)ərb-ˌlīk 

adjective

herby

ˈ(h)ər-bē 

adjective

Examples of herb in a Sentence

a dish seasoned with chopped fresh herbs

rosemary, sage, and other herbs

Recent Examples on the Web

Aside from the clam chowder, Captain Paker’s Pub offers a wide variety of other dishes, including a prime rib entrée and a garlic-herb roasted half chicken, as well as a long list of burgers and sandwiches. —The Providence Journal, 13 Mar. 2026

Jason Griffith owns Aspen Moon Farm in Longmont and grows flowers, veggies, herbs, and starter plants for wholesale local buyers and local farmers' markets. —Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026

In a small, domed stone or clay structure, heated volcanic rocks, medicinal herbs, and water create steam, which is believed to cleanse toxins, improve circulation, and provide a spiritual connection to nature. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026

Pair begonia flowers with herbs for a container garden. —Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English herbe, from Anglo-French, from Latin herba

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing herb

• herb doctor
• herb Robert
• willow herb

Rhymes for herb

• blurb
• curb
• erb
• kerb
• serb
• verb
• disturb
• perturb
• reverb
• superb

Kids Definition

herb

noun

ˈərb 

also

ˈhərb 

1

: a seed-producing plant that does not develop long-lived woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season

2

: a plant or plant part used for making medicine and seasonings

Medical Definition

herb

noun

ˈ(h)ərb 

often attributive

1

: a seed plant that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season

2

: a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities