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

Spread across six floors, all are designed to be relaxing retreats with amenities from the French brand Botanyc, which adds a sensory touch thanks to their exclusive Bal Tropical range, crafted on the French Riviera and featuring notes of bergamot, lychee, and jasmine. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Her chest was soft and smelled like jasmine perfume. —Jesmyn Ward, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026

Inspired by the French, the fragrance was distilled in all the elements informing the perfume, from its name to the juice, which was created by Nadège le Garlantezec blending the likes of pink peppercorn and amirys essence, alongside Ylang Ylang, jasmine extract and vanilla absolute. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026

Go For Ground Cover Asian star jasmine proves how good-looking ground cover can be in place of a traditional lawn at this charming South Carolina cottage. —Katherine Owen, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French jasmin, from Arabic yāsamīn, from Persian

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing jasmine

• jasmine rice

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