herbal

1 of 2

noun

herb·​al ˈ(h)ər-bəl 

1

: a book about plants especially with reference to their medicinal properties

2

archaic : herbarium sense 1

3

: herbal medicine sense 2

Some herbals may indeed be gentle remedies. But using them with prescription drugs can be a dangerous mix.

—Josh Fischman

herbal

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, utilizing, or made of herbs

Examples of herbal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In a similar vein, authors of early modern herbals such as John Gerard(e) instructed their readers to use different parts of the plant—its juice, flowers, rind, and seeds—to address stomach concerns, dysentery, dental health, wounds and bleeding, and menstrual health. —Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025

These can include turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, live probiotics, herbals like oregano and minerals like calcium, iron and zinc. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2025

Adjective

Pair them with a calming herbal tea, like chamomile or lemon balm, for the ultimate wind-down routine. —Lauren Manaker, SELF, 26 Nov. 2025

This involves not only slow mornings—complete with Chinese herbal tea by her friend Natazia Stolberg, matcha with Par Olive’s collagen powder, and breakfast—but also strengthening her immune system. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1612, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing herbal

• herbal medicine
• herbal remedy

Rhymes for herbal

• gerbil
• verbal
• nonverbal
• preverbal

Kids Definition

herbal

adjective

herb·​al

ˈ(h)ər-bəl

: of, relating to, or made of herbs

Medical Definition

herbal

1 of 2 noun

herb·​al ˈ(h)ər-bəl 

1

: a book about plants especially with reference to their medical properties

2

: herbal remedy

herbal

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, or made of herbs