shepherd's purse

noun

: a white-flowered weedy annual herb (Capsella bursa-pastoris) of the mustard family with flat heart-shaped pods

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shepherd's purse was in the 15th century

Rhymes for shepherd's purse

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Browse Nearby Words

shepherd's pouch
shepherd's purse
shepherd's thyme
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Cite this Entry

“Shepherd's purse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shepherd%27s%20purse. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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