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

The breathable material is infused with herbals like ashwagandha, valerian root, lavender, L-theanine, passion flower, lemon balm, and 4 milligrams of melatonin. —Molly Higgins, Wired News, 23 Jan. 2026

Those bottlings tend to be richer and more assertive, showcasing rye bread, earthy grain, pepper, baking spices, and a tannic grip, while still preserving rye’s signature herbal and minty notes that many drinkers associate with Canadian rye. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026

Adjective

The highlight is a hot herbal foot bath. —Tamara Hinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2026

And herbal teas are naturally sans-caffeine, eliminating any potential concerns the stimulant can have on nutrient utilization. —Lauren Manaker, SELF, 23 Mar. 2026

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