herbaceous

adjective

her·​ba·​ceous ˌ(h)ər-ˈbā-shəs 

1

a

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an herb

b

of a stem : having little or no woody tissue and persisting usually for a single growing season

2

: having the texture, color, or appearance of a leaf

Examples of herbaceous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That's particularly true for herbaceous peonies, which can use a little extra support to stay upright and keep their flowers from touching the ground. —Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026

The result is a well-balanced, herbaceous, and supremely savory snack. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 6 June 2026

Those interested in something more herbaceous will resonate with Always Now—an earthy blend of Italian basil accord grounded by Madagascan bourbon essence. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 June 2026

Moss is paired with sea salt for a subtle briny funk, while herbaceous sage, warm vetiver, and airy musk leave the scent light and refreshing. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing herbaceous

• herbaceous border

Rhymes for herbaceous

• arenaceous
• argillaceous
• carbonaceous
• contumacious
• coriaceous
• efficacious
• farinaceous
• foliaceous
• membranaceous
• ochraceous
• olivaceous
• ostentatious

Kids Definition

herbaceous

adjective

her·​ba·​ceous ˌ(h)ər-ˈbā-shəs 

1

: of, relating to, or resembling an herb

2

: being a stem with little or no woody tissue and lasting usually only for a single growing season