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

Evoking orchids, as well as summer’s bountiful lavender and clematis arrivals, the hue grants a rare opportunity for dabbling in many competing color trends at once through this shoe purchase. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025

Here, the sunny yellow tablecloth, echoed in the color of the dahlias and some of the plates, serves as the anchor color, with thoughtful touches of pink, blue, and lavender creating depth. —Catherine Hong, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 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