lavender

1 of 2

noun

lav·​en·​der ˈla-vən-dər 

1

a

: a Mediterranean mint (Lavandula angustifolia synonym L. officinalis) widely cultivated for its narrow aromatic leaves and spikes of lilac-purple flowers which are dried and used in sachets and from which is extracted an aromatic oil used chiefly in perfumery

b

: any of several plants congeneric with true lavender and used similarly but often considered inferior

2

: a pale purple

lavender

2 of 2

verb

lavendered; lavendering ˈla-vən-d(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

: to sprinkle or perfume with lavender

Examples of lavender in a Sentence

Noun

a small cloth bag filled with lavender

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Bright, medium deep purple; intriguing aromas of Damson plum, boysenberry, mocha and lavender. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

Its assortment of daisy, lavender, jasmine, orchid, dancing lady, and other florals appears to bubble over: effectively bringing the outdoors in and sparing you from allergies in the meantime. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 June 2025

Verb

For noses that prefer the woody, earthy, and floral, this olive oil and lavender soap bar will check all the boxes. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 20 June 2025

Use your hands to rub the zest and lavender into the sugar, until fragrant. —Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English lavendre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin lavandula

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1820, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lavender

• sea lavender
• spike lavender

Kids Definition

lavender

noun

lav·​en·​der

ˈlav-ən-dər

1

a

: a Mediterranean mint widely cultivated for its narrow somewhat woolly leaves and stalks of small sweet-smelling pale violet flowers compare sea lavender

b

: the dried leaves and flowers of lavender used to perfume clothes and bed linen

2

: a pale purple