: any of a genus (Verbena of the family Verbenaceae, the vervain family) of chiefly American plants having bracted spicate flowers, a corolla with a 5-lobed limb, and a fruit that separates into four nutlets
Examples of vervain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Hummingbirds slid their noses into plantain lily hostas and delicate stems of purpletop vervain.
—
Betsy Vereckey, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2022
While filled with plenty of angst and fangs, the series managed to create multiple memorable items perfect for gift-giving, from Elena’s vervain necklace to the Salvatores' daylight rings.
—Abby Dupes, Seventeen, 30 Aug. 2022
Joe-Pye weed, boneset and blue vervain bloom nicely in wetlands.
—Star Tribune, 29 July 2021
Blue vervain has been a really powerful ally for friends on the frontlines, especially for organizers.
—Aliza Abarbanel, Bon Appétit, 6 Aug. 2020
Wildflowers and shady pines (Photo: Mare Czinar/Special for The Republic)
Watch for swarms of butterflies and bees drawing nectar from Butter and Eggs flowers, New Mexican vervain and field bindweed blooms.
—Mare Czinar, azcentral, 5 July 2018
In the garden, blue vervain plants attract butterflies, bumblebees and other pollinators.
—cleveland.com, 16 May 2017
Sun: Full
Soil moisture: Average to moist
Height: Four to six feet
Deer resistant: Yes
Comments: Blue vervain is a traditional medicinal herb, with the roots, leaves or flowers used to treat conditions.
—cleveland.com, 16 May 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Betsy Vereckey, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2022
While filled with plenty of angst and fangs, the series managed to create multiple memorable items perfect for gift-giving, from Elena’s vervain necklace to the Salvatores' daylight rings.
—Abby Dupes, Seventeen, 30 Aug. 2022
Joe-Pye weed, boneset and blue vervain bloom nicely in wetlands.
—Star Tribune, 29 July 2021
Blue vervain has been a really powerful ally for friends on the frontlines, especially for organizers.
—Aliza Abarbanel, Bon Appétit, 6 Aug. 2020
Wildflowers and shady pines (Photo: Mare Czinar/Special for The Republic)
Watch for swarms of butterflies and bees drawing nectar from Butter and Eggs flowers, New Mexican vervain and field bindweed blooms.
—Mare Czinar, azcentral, 5 July 2018
In the garden, blue vervain plants attract butterflies, bumblebees and other pollinators.
—cleveland.com, 16 May 2017
Sun: Full
Soil moisture: Average to moist
Height: Four to six feet
Deer resistant: Yes
Comments: Blue vervain is a traditional medicinal herb, with the roots, leaves or flowers used to treat conditions.
—cleveland.com, 16 May 2017
Cite this Entry
“Vervain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vervain. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
vervain
noun
ver·vain
ˈvər-ˌvān 
: any of a genus (Verbena of the family Verbenaceae, the vervain family) of plants including several (as V. hastata) formerly used as medicinal herbs
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share