aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈa-(ˌ)lō 

1

aloes plural : agarwood

2

a

: any of a large genus (Aloe) of succulent chiefly southern African plants of the lily family with basal leaves and spicate flowers

b

: the dried juice of the leaves of various aloes used especially formerly as a purgative

—usually used in plural but singular in construction

c

: aloe vera

Examples of aloe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Plants like aloes, haworthia, echeveria, and most cacti will grow better in winter with the addition of a grow light for 10 to 12 hours daily. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2026

It’s also made with blue agave, for some great grip, and niacinamide and aloe for an extra hit of hydration. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 23 Dec. 2025

Soak the aloe thoroughly, allowing water to run out of the drainage holes. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2025

The aloe and cucumber scent is my fave. —The Editors, Outside, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin, from Latin, dried juice of aloe leaves, from Greek aloē

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aloe

• aloe vera

Rhymes for aloe

• beau
• beaux
• blow
• boe
• bro
• coe
• crow
• doe
• doh
• dough
• eau
• eaux

Kids Definition

aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈal-ō 

1

: any of a large genus of chiefly southern African plants related to lilies and having spikes of often showy flowers

2

: the dried bitter juice of the leaves of an aloe used especially formerly as a strong laxative and tonic

—usually used in plural

3

: aloe vera

Medical Definition

aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈal-(ˌ)ō 

1

capitalized : a large genus (family Asphodelaceae) of succulent chiefly southern African plants with basal leaves and spicate flowers

2

: a plant of the genus Aloe

3

: the dried juice of the leaves of various aloes used especially formerly as a purgative and tonic

—usually used in plural but singular in construction

4

: aloe vera sense 2