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

For herbaceous or Itoh divisions, use the knife to divide the root clump into several pieces, making sure there are three to five eyes and healthy roots in each new part. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026

These herbaceous perennials are grown primarily for their texture and form, according to Sam Niemann, landscape designer and founder of Bleume and Grown by Design. — Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026

The prairies’ clayey soils and other characteristics suppress tree growth, but allow native grasses, wildflowers and other herbaceous plants to thrive. — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 5 Sep. 2026

The aguachile verde at La Costa Cafe delivers a spicy, herbaceous punch to the palate. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 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