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

Set within a sprawling Mediterranean estate dotted with olive trees, jasmine, and prickly pear, the property feels serene and secluded. —Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026

When star jasmine blooms in late spring and early summer, a profusion of white, starlike flowers on its evergreen foliage perfumes the entire garden. —Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026

French Exit is a warm, sensual white floral, centering creamy heart notes of jasmine and tuberose. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026

And, like all products in the Oribe lineup, it’s finished with the brand’s classic Côte d'Azur scent, which has notes of sandalwood, jasmine, and bergamot. —Michelle Rostamian, Allure, 27 Feb. 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