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

But come spring, the light pink and lavender blooms of Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) turn mundane highway commutes into pleasurable scenic drives. —Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025

Choose from 21 colors, including spring-ready hues like light blue, lavender, and pastel green. —Emily Weaver, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Verb

This perennial sends up spikes of blue or lavender flowers in a spreading form. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025

Rub the overnight foot cream formulated with ingredients like aloe, glycerin, urea, coconut oil, and lavender essential oil on your feet and pop it on the reusable pair of breathable foot sleeves. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 13 Mar. 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