loosestrife

noun

loose·​strife ˈlü(s)-ˌstrīf How to pronounce loosestrife (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Lysimachia) of plants of the primrose family with leafy stems and usually yellow or white flowers
2
: any of a genus (Lythrum, family Lythraceae, the loosestrife family) of herbs having entire leaves and including some with showy spikes of purple flowers
especially : purple loosestrife

Examples of loosestrife in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Purple loosestrife is quickly recognizable, thanks to its upright purple flower spikes that bloom from midsummer through fall. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loosestrife.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

intended as translation of Greek lysimacheios loosestrife (as if from lysis act of loosing + machesthai to fight) — more at lysis

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loosestrife was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near loosestrife

Cite this Entry

“Loosestrife.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loosestrife. Accessed 28 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

loosestrife

noun
loose·​strife ˈlü(s)-ˌstrīf How to pronounce loosestrife (audio)
1
: any of a genus of herbs that are related to the primroses and have leafy stems and yellow or white flowers
2
: any of a genus of herbs including some with showy spikes of purple flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on loosestrife

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