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

Star jasmine is moderately salt tolerant but not cold hardy. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025

Even the car park smells of jasmine. —Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

The Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Body Oil features the same sparkling grapefruit-quince accord and gentle base of jasmine and white musk. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025

The jasmine and whipped coconut sneak in, giving it a soft floral creaminess that makes the caramel feel grown-up instead of candy-shop. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025

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