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

The series stars Josh Duhamel as Staten Kirkland, legacy rancher, alongside Kelly’s Quinn, talented pianist and owner of a lavender farm and Gracie’s Dance Hall. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025

This set of six includes scents like lavender, menthol and eucalyptus, vanilla and orange, grapefruit, watermelon, and peppermint, each made with natural essential oils. —L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025

Verb

Meanwhile, tea tree extract and lavender oil soothe inflammation, while clover flower extract provides antioxidant benefits and neutralizes free radical damage to improve overall skin texture. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2025

While summer brought light and minimalist manis like soap nails, glass nails, and lavender milk nails, fall is shaping up to be all about moody and neutral shades. —Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 2 Sep. 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