lavender

noun lav·en·der \ ˈla-vən-dər \

|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

Definition of lavender

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

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Examples of lavender in a Sentence

a small cloth bag filled with lavender

Recent Examples of lavender from the Web

His cocktails spotlight locally grown fresh fruit, herbs and flowers, like the lavender blossom spritz and hibiscus sour.

— pam kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, "New 7 Mile restaurant part of Sheraton revamp in Carlsbad," 14 June 2018
Craft workshops, meditation sessions, picking lavender from field, hand craft vendors and more.

— rasputin todd, Cincinnati.com, "Things to do this week in Cincinnati: June 11-17," 11 June 2018
These forms are seen in the giant stained glass dome skylights and murals as well as the 200-square-foot lavender maze under the stars.

— janet eastman, OregonLive.com, "Ashland healer's home, for sale at $5 million, has dome skylights, lavender maze (photos)," 5 June 2018
The store will also carry a few beach favorites and house essentials, including towels by Mr. Merz, Los Poblanos lavender products, RTH Shop accessories, and Monfefo ginger shots.

— mara balagtas, Condé Nast Traveler, "Sabah, Maker of the Perfect Travel Shoe, Now Has a Summer Pop-Up," 30 May 2018
Try your hand at growing perennials like hydrangeas, lavender, or rose bushes this summer.

— jessica leigh mattern, Country Living, "If You Have a Black Thumb, You Should Always Buy Your Plants at The Home Depot," 17 June 2017
The rain darkened the way, which heightened colors, like the lavender of pickerelweed blossoms and brilliant yellow of spatterdock flowers.

— kevin spear, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Wekiva and Rock Springs Run cure stress with gorgeous gators and hypnotic rain," 1 June 2018
Everything else with ice, from a margarita on draft to a weak lavender-gin lemonade, suffered from everyday ice that melted too fast, especially on the patio.

— mike sutter, San Antonio Express-News, "Review: Love or something like it at Texas 46 BBQ," 31 May 2018
Few desserts are as refreshing as the viola and rue sorbet with its pale lavender color and its garnish of sunflower butter, candied kumquats and granola.

— michael bauer, San Francisco Chronicle, "The Perennial makes environmental activism taste good," 25 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lavender.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of lavender

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

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First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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lavender

verb

Definition of lavender

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

transitive verb

: to sprinkle or perfume with lavender

Recent Examples of lavender from the Web

But for those of you who want to drift off to dreamland, there’s always lavender soda.

— aleksandra crapanzano, WSJ, "You’ll Never Miss the Booze: The New Non-Alcoholic Cocktails," 23 Aug. 2017

First Known Use of lavender

1820

in the meaning defined above

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LAVENDER Defined for English Language Learners

lavender

noun

Definition of lavender for English Language Learners

: a plant with narrow leaves and small purple flowers that have a sweet smell
: the dried leaves and flowers of the lavender plant used to make clothes and fabrics smell pleasant
: a pale purple color