1
: any of a genus (Cassia synonym Senna) of leguminous herbs, shrubs, and trees native to warm regions : cassia sense 2
especially
: one used medicinally
2
: the dried leaflets or pods of various sennas (especially Cassia angustifolia synonym Senna alexandrina) used as a purgative
Examples of senna in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Two treatments—magnesium oxide and senna—are included in the recommendations for the first time.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 2 June 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
Magnesium oxide also comes in a powder, and senna can be made into tea.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 2 June 2023
Magnesium oxide and senna are both available over-the-counter (OTC).
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 2 June 2023
This cheerful name comes from the senna plant, which produces bright yellow flowers every year.
—Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, 4 Jan. 2023
Behind them is a lacy senna shrub that produces clusters of yellow flowers.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Nov. 2022
Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 1 Nov. 2023
Two treatments—magnesium oxide and senna—are included in the recommendations for the first time.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 2 June 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
Magnesium oxide also comes in a powder, and senna can be made into tea.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 2 June 2023
Magnesium oxide and senna are both available over-the-counter (OTC).
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 2 June 2023
This cheerful name comes from the senna plant, which produces bright yellow flowers every year.
—Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, 4 Jan. 2023
Behind them is a lacy senna shrub that produces clusters of yellow flowers.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Nov. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'senna.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near senna
Cite this Entry
“Senna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/senna. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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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