lemon balm

noun

: a bushy perennial European mint (Melissa officinalis) often cultivated for its lemon-scented leaves
also : its leaves

Examples of lemon balm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In studies, lemon balm has been shown to help with insomnia and anxiety symptoms. Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025 Plant lemon balm, mint, chrysanthemums, marigolds, basil, garlic, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and lemongrass around your yard. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 21 July 2025 Steep fresh herbs like mint, lemon balm, or chamomile for a relaxing tea, or whip up a soft herb butter with parsley, chives, and thyme to spread on warm bread. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025 As for the emerging supplements with little research, some showed the most promise in early studies: Folic acid, lavender, zinc, tryptophan, rhodiola and lemon balm. New Atlas, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lemon balm

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lemon balm was in 1864

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lemon balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lemon%20balm. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

lemon balm

noun
: a bushy perennial Old World mint of the genus Melissa (M. officinalis) often cultivated for its fragrant lemon-flavored leaves and tops that have been used to make a diaphoretic tea

More from Merriam-Webster on lemon balm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!