lovage

noun lov·age \ ˈlə-vij \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of lovage

: any of several aromatic perennial herbs of the carrot family; especially : a European herb (Levisticum officinale) sometimes cultivated for use in medicine especially as a diuretic and in cookery usually as a flavoring agent

Recent Examples of lovage from the Web

Then add the lovage and simmer, covered, for 5-6 minutes.

— debbi snook, cleveland.com, "Clickable list of 2018 CSA farm programs in Northeast Ohio," 14 Oct. 2017
Some that do survive include lovage, sea kale, sorrel, Sweet Cicely, bunching onions such as scallions and Japanese negi onions, some leeks such as Carentan and Blue Solaise, and dandelions and groundnuts.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Mountain spinach might work as a perennial in the Treasure Valley," 24 Jan. 2018
His tasting menu that evening included spring garlic, knotweed, herbs foraged at the beach, lovage, rhubarb and a leafy northern plant called orpin with a slightly bitter flavor.

— florence fabricant, New York Times, "Matt Orlando Brings California Sun to Copenhagen," 27 Oct. 2017
Herbs: Anise, basil, bay laurel, borage, cardamom, chervil, chives, coriander, dill, fennel, garlic, lavender, lemon balm, lovage, mint, nasturtium, oregano, rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram, tarragon, thyme and water cress. 6.

— tom maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "October gardening calendar," 30 Sep. 2017
Messer then hired Lovage to work off her bill by cleaning the residential spa, serving soup to patients and presenting workshops on the enemas, according to her lawsuit.

— christine willmsen, The Seattle Times, "Despite suspended license, Kirkland naturopath may have continued practicing," 29 May 2017
The menu is always changing, but might include a slab of unctuous caramelized pork belly with black garlic and vermicelli, or savory custard with chunks of spanner crab and flecks of lovage.

— hanya yanagihara, New York Times, "In Southern Tasmania, Great Food and Rugged Appeal," 18 Nov. 2016
Papa grabbing tukaiyuks, or sea lovage, from the bank and placing the greens straight into his uuraq bowl.

— laureli ivanoff, Alaska Dispatch News, "Family memories built around meals so homey, they make you ache," 19 June 2017
Lovage suffered cyanogenic poisoning, according to the lawsuit.

— christine willmsen, The Seattle Times, "Despite suspended license, Kirkland naturopath may have continued practicing," 29 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lovage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of lovage

Middle English lovache, from Anglo-French luvasche, lovasche, from Late Latin levisticum, alteration of Latin ligusticum, from neuter of ligusticus Ligurian, from Ligur-, Ligus, noun, Ligurian

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First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined above

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Medical Dictionary

lovage

noun lov·age \ ˈləv-ij \

medical Definition of lovage

: any of several aromatic perennial herbs of the carrot family; especially : a European herb (Levisticum officinale) sometimes cultivated for its rhizomes which are used as a carminative in domestic remedies, for its stalks and foliage which are used as a potherb, a substitute for celery, or a tea, for its seeds which are used for flavoring and in confectionery, and for its flowering tops which yield an oil used in flavoring and perfumery