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

There are savory and herbaceous notes of green pepper, pineapple, wet earth, and stone fruit on the palate, making this a complex and engaging sipper. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 June 2026

Red fruit and lively acidity are complemented by a subtle herbaceous character that brings freshness and complexity to the wine without dominating it. — Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Agastache is a genus of over 22 herbaceous perennials, many of which are native to North America. — Cori Sears, The Spruce, 13 June 2026

The result is a well-balanced, herbaceous, and supremely savory snack. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 6 June 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