herb

noun

ˈərb How to pronounce herb (audio)
US also and British usually
ˈhərb How to pronounce herb (audio)
often attributive
1
botany : a seed-producing annual, biennial, or perennial that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season
2
: a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities
planted parsley, basil, and rosemary in her herb garden
3
herblike adjective
herby adjective

Examples of herb in a Sentence

a dish seasoned with chopped fresh herbs rosemary, sage, and other herbs
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sturgeon from the Delaware River were likely fastened to a spit and basted with butter, then sprinkled with flour, nutmeg, mace, salt, sweet herbs, and breadcrumbs before being dressed in a tangy sauce that usually included anchovy, lobster, lemon, horseradish, and white wine. Victoria Flexner, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025 Its patio behind the restaurant features raised beds with fragrant herbs along the walkway that make their way into the restaurant’s cocktails and other selections. Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025 For even more flavor, sprinkle with herbs, like parsley or cilantro, and your favorite spice. Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2025 Miuyhji 24-Piece Spice Jars Organize your collection of herbs and spices with this jar set that contains 24 four-ounce glass spice jars, one spice grinder, 24 shaker lids, 24 bamboo lids, and a stainless steel funnel. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for herb

Word History

Etymology

Middle English herbe, from Anglo-French, from Latin herba

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of herb was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Herb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herb. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

herb

noun
1
: a seed-producing plant that does not develop long-lived woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season
2
: a plant or plant part used for making medicine and seasonings

Medical Definition

herb

noun
often attributive
1
: a seed plant that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season
2
: a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities

More from Merriam-Webster on herb

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