jasmine

noun

jas·​mine ˈjaz-mən 

variants or less commonly jessamine

ˈje-smən, 

ˈje-sə-mən 

1

a

: any of numerous often climbing shrubs (genus Jasminum) of the olive family that usually have extremely fragrant flowers

especially : a tall-climbing semievergreen Asian shrub (J. officinale) with fragrant white flowers from which oil is extracted for use in perfumes

b

: any of numerous plants having sweet-scented flowers

especially : yellow jessamine

2

: a light yellow

Illustration of jasmine

• jasmine 1a

Examples of jasmine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Certain types offer more heady scents; for a romantic effect, look to roses, jasmine, gardenia, freesia, or lily of the valley. —Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026

Mystical men laid white sheets and a bright pink blanket and pillows inside a gold palanquin and strung it with marigolds and white jasmine flowers. —Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026

Heady, intoxicating notes of tuberose and jasmine are uplifted by marigold and tropical plumeria, followed by a trace of copal, or Mexican incense. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 3 Feb. 2026

Inspired by luxury fine fragrances, the scent notes include peach, apple, cherry, lily, lilac, jasmine, and musk. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French jasmin, from Arabic yāsamīn, from Persian

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for jasmine

• plasmin
• yasmin
• ceruloplasmin

Kids Definition

jasmine

noun

jas·​mine ˈjaz-mən 

variants or jessamine

ˈjes-(ə-)mən

: any of numerous often climbing shrubs that are related to the olive and have extremely fragrant flowers

also : any of various plants noted for sweet-scented flowers