lavender

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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 iPhone 17s will be available in five colors (black, lavender, mist blue, sage and white) and iPhone Air will be available in four finishes (space black, cloud white, light gold and sky blue). —Todd Spangler, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025

The iPhone 17 series will ship in five colors — lavender, mist blue, black, white and sage. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2025

Verb

Interestingly, a 2024 study found that while women’s salivary oxytocin levels increased after exposure to lavender essential oil, men’s didn’t, leading researchers to speculate that this may be because the sense of smell is more sensitive in women. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025

Honey Lavender Margarita 2 ounce blanco tequila 1 ounce lime juice 1 ounce honey lavender simple syrup 0.5 ounce crème de violette 0.5 ounce Alma Finca orange liqueur Shake with ice and serve in a rocks glass over fresh ice. —Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 9 July 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