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

The tips below apply to herbaceous peonies, the most common peonies, as well as to tree peonies and Itoh or intersectional peonies, a cross between herbaceous peonies and tree peonies. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026

Loungers covered by striped umbrellas and cabanas are best enjoyed with herbaceous cocktails or remixed takes on the classic Sazerac. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

Artemisia is a diverse genus of hardy herbaceous plants belonging to the daisy family. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Apr. 2026

While woody plants such as azaleas and other spring-blooming shrubs are best planted in the fall, early spring is still a good time to plant herbaceous perennials. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 13 Apr. 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