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

How to control herbaceous perennial weeds in the garden Plants that overwinter below ground as any number of fleshy root-type plants, employ a different strategy. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 15 Aug. 2025

Many summer-blooming perennials are true herbaceous perennials. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025

The flavor, though, was more reminiscent of an herbaceous breadstick. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2025

Loaded with fiery chiles, herbs like lemongrass, lime leaves and cilantro, and savory condiments like fish sauce, soy sauce and curry pastes, the flavors of Thai food are a great counterpart to a citrusy or herbaceous tequila blanco. —Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 31 July 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