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

This herbaceous perennial poppy (Papaver alpinum) is native to the Alps and the Pyrenees and is hardy in Zones 4-6. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2025

Those navy beans, then a breakfast option, were herbaceous and creamy. —Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025

The harmonious palate blends hot herbaceous spice with some sake-like notes and a delightful umami richness. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

New & Noteworthy Chex Mix is heating things up with two bold new varieties: Hot & Spicy, featuring a zesty seasoning blend with a fiery kick, and Spicy Dill, combining tangy, herbaceous notes with a spicy finish. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025

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