stevia

noun

ste·​via ˈstē-vē-ə 

-vyə

1

: any of a genus (Stevia) of composite herbs and shrubs of tropical and subtropical America

especially : a white-flowered tender perennial (S. rebaudiana) native to Paraguay

2

: a white powder composed of one or more intensely sweet glycosides derived from the leaves of a stevia (S. rebaudiana) and used as noncaloric sweetener

Examples of stevia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s a light sweetness thanks to the touch of stevia, with natural sweetener from fruit and vanilla. —Maggie Slepian, Glamour, 24 Mar. 2025

There’s even stevia extract, which some studies suggest creates a retinol-like effect, to help improve collagen production. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2025

Despite a small amount of coconut sugar and stevia in the mix, this was the most bitter of the bunch. —Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 23 Jan. 2025

However, note that having sugar instead of stevia in an electrolyte drink is beneficial for powering you through a tough workout since stevia isn’t a source of carbohydrates. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Verywell Health, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Petrus Jacobus Stevus (Pedro Jaime Esteve) †1555 Spanish physician and botanist

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stevia

• previa

Medical Definition

stevia

noun

ste·​via ˈstē-vē-ə 

: a South American perennial shrub (Stevia rebaudiana) of the composite family

also : a very sweet noncaloric glycoside-containing substance that is obtained from the leaves of the stevia