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

To stake herbaceous peonies, use rings, grow-through grids, tomato cages, or homemade corrals made of bamboo and string. — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026

Once plated, the steak remains at center stage, adorned with a drizzle of the bright, herbaceous chermoula, which enhances the meat without overpowering its rich flavor. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 14 July 2026

Featuring top notes of orange, bergamot, and lemon mixed with honeyed florals and the essence of musk, cedarwood, and sandalwood, each item leaves behind a clean, calming, slightly herbaceous scent. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 13 July 2026

Signature cocktails feel thoughtful rather than trendy, including the dirty pineapple, a combination of Tulsi gin, pineapple brine, vermouth and Strega orange liqueur that has layers of tropical fruit, herbaceous notes and subtle salinity. — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 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