sage

1 of 3

noun (1)

1
: one (such as a profound philosopher) distinguished for wisdom
2
: a mature or venerable person of sound judgment

sage

2 of 3

adjective

sager; sagest
1
: proceeding from or characterized by wisdom, prudence, and good judgment
sage advice
2
a
: wise through reflection and experience
b
archaic : grave, solemn
sageness noun

sage

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
a
: a European perennial mint (Salvia officinalis) with grayish-green aromatic leaves used especially in flavoring meats
broadly : salvia
b
: the fresh or dried leaves of sage
2
3
: a light grayish green

Illustration of sage

Illustration of sage
  • 3sage 1a
Choose the Right Synonym for sage

wise, sage, sapient, judicious, prudent, sensible, sane mean having or showing sound judgment.

wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

Examples of sage in a Sentence

Adjective a sage suggestion that anyone should think long and hard before deciding to marry the young prince made a pilgrimage to the sage, hoping to learn the meaning of life
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
And that’s only the beginning of this theme park sage knowledge. Deanne Revel, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2024 The thoughtful design is a highlight in this one-bedroom apartment, with unique details like the scalloped headboard in the bedroom and sage tiles in the shower. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Nov. 2024 Ebern Designs 3-Piece Bistro Set The most affordable—and most discounted—option on our list is this three-piece bistro set that comes in more than a dozen colors, including this fun and calming sage green. Brittney Morgan, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2024 Tbs fresh sage ¼ cup real maple syrup ¼ cup sunflower oil Salt and pepper to taste Dice the squash medium. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sage 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *sapius, from Latin sapere to taste, have good taste, be wise; akin to Oscan sipus knowing, Old Saxon ansebbian to perceive

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Anglo-French sage, salge, from Latin salvia, from salvus healthy; from its use as a medicinal herb — more at safe

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sage was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near sage

Cite this Entry

“Sage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sage. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

sage

1 of 3 adjective
sager; sagest
: wise entry 2 sense 1, prudent
sage advice
sagely adverb
sageness noun

sage

2 of 3 noun
: a very wise person

sage

3 of 3 noun
1
: a European mint with fragrant leaves that is used especially to flavor meat
2
Etymology

Adjective

Middle English sage "wise," from early French sage (same meaning), derived from Latin sapere "to be wise, taste, have good taste" — related to insipid, savant

Noun

Middle English sage "sage plant," from early French sage, salge (same meaning), from Latin salvia "sage plant used for health," from salvus "safe, healthy" — related to safe, save

Medical Definition

sage

noun
: a perennial mint of the genus Salvia (S. officinalis) having grayish green pungent and aromatic leaves that are much used in flavoring foods and as a mild tonic and astringent
broadly : any plant of the genus Salvia

Biographical Definition

Sage

biographical name

Russell 1816–1906 American financier

More from Merriam-Webster on sage

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