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

Some flavors showcase this stevia note more than others, and some of the seven flavors (here's looking at you, peach!) can taste artificial. —Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 6 Nov. 2025

However, some high-purity stevia products may contain extra ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 3 Nov. 2025

Consider sprinkling stevia over your oatmeal. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 3 Nov. 2025

And they’re all sweetened, usually with stevia, monk fruit, sucralose, or a similar low/no calorie sweetener. —Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2025

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