1
: any of a genus (Senna synonym Cassia) of leguminous herbs, shrubs, and trees native to warm regions
especially
: one used medicinally
2
: the dried leaflets or pods of various sennas (especially Senna alexandrina synonym Cassia angustifolia) used as a purgative
Examples of senna in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples of laxatives include senna and Dulcolax (bisacodyl).
—
Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 6 Jan. 2025
The active ingredients senna and bisacodyl make the muscles in the intestines contract, which is called peristalsis.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024
In recent years laxatives have had a mainstream makeover: skinny teas and candies containing senna—an herbal laxative—were popular on Instagram several years ago.
—Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 1 Nov. 2023
This form of laxative is thought to be a more gentle alternative to senna leaf, which has been used as constipation relief for centuries.
—Jenny Friedman, Ms, Parents, 3 Aug. 2023
Invasive grasses played a role in stoking that fire, known as the Geology fire, which burned in an area populated by Joshua trees, Mojave yucca, creosote and senna, park officials said.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2023
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Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 6 Jan. 2025
The active ingredients senna and bisacodyl make the muscles in the intestines contract, which is called peristalsis.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024
In recent years laxatives have had a mainstream makeover: skinny teas and candies containing senna—an herbal laxative—were popular on Instagram several years ago.
—Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 1 Nov. 2023
This form of laxative is thought to be a more gentle alternative to senna leaf, which has been used as constipation relief for centuries.
—Jenny Friedman, Ms, Parents, 3 Aug. 2023
Invasive grasses played a role in stoking that fire, known as the Geology fire, which burned in an area populated by Joshua trees, Mojave yucca, creosote and senna, park officials said.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2023
Cite this Entry
“Senna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/senna. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
senna
noun
sen·na
ˈsen-ə 
1
: cassia sense 2
especially
: one used as a medicine
2
: the dried leaves or pods of various cassias used as a strong laxative
Medical Definition
senna
noun
sen·na
ˈsen-ə
1
: any of a genus (Cassia synonym Senna) of leguminous plants of warm regions
especially
: one used medicinally
2
: the dried leaflets or pods of various sennas (especially Cassia angustifolia synonym Senna alexandrina) used as a purgative
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