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

Before treatments, guests can recline indoors with homemade lavender popcorn or enjoy sitting outside in the charming relaxation space filled with herbs and flowers. —Asonta Benetti, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026

It’s also filled with lavender and can be customized with a removable inner pouch or cooling gel mask. —Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026

Verb

There will be classic options like a London Strand breakfast tea and spicy chai, along with more unique options like blackcurrant and lavender tea. —Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2026

During this period, Taylor suggests starting perennials like lower-growing herbs indoors: lavender, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and mints. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 17 Jan. 2026

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