botanical

1 of 2

adjective

bo·​tan·​i·​cal bə-ˈta-ni-kəl 

1

: of or relating to plants or botany

2

: derived from plants

3

: species

botanical tulips

botanically

bə-ˈta-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

botanical

2 of 2

noun

plural botanicals

: a substance obtained or derived from a plant: such as

a

: a plant part or extract used especially in skin and hair care products

Certain botanicals are naturals for bringing out the best in the color and condition of the hair.

—Elle

b

: a medicinal preparation derived from a plant

The popular botanical ginkgo biloba does not improve memory, nor does it prevent cognitive decline in older people, according to the largest and longest scientific study conducted on the supplement.

—Elizabeth Weise

c

: plant material used as a flavoring agent (as in gin)

—usually plural

The makeup of gin is basically neutral grain spirits flavored with juniper and other botanicals, and reduced to no less than 80 proof with water.

—Emanuel and Madeline Greenberg

Examples of botanical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Semi-sheer sleeves with botanical embroidery completed the look, which was curated by stylist Dani Michelle. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026

Finish with the lightweight Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Oil Serum, which smooths frizz and dry ends with seven botanical oils, including argan, jojoba, and camellia. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026

Noun

Many of the botanicals used in the medicinal treatments are grown onsite. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Green tea extract helps make dark circles look less noticeable, while the brand’s peptide- and botanical-based TriHex Technology helps skin make more collagen, which can leave the undereye area looking smoother and firmer over time. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French botanique, from Greek botanikos of herbs, from botanē pasture, herb, from boskein to feed, graze; probably akin to Lithuanian guotas flock

First Known Use

Adjective

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing botanical

• botanical garden

Rhymes for botanical

• brahmanical
• mechanical
• tyrannical
• biomechanical
• thermomechanical
• electromechanical
• panicle
• puritanical

Kids Definition

botanical

1 of 2 adjective

bo·​tan·​i·​cal bə-ˈtan-i-kəl 

1

: of or relating to plants or botany

2

: made or obtained from plants

botanical drugs

botanically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

botanical

2 of 2 noun

: a usually cosmetic or medicinal product prepared from or containing a plant part or extract

also : the plant part or extract used in such a product

Medical Definition

botanical

1 of 2 adjective

bo·​tan·​i·​cal bə-ˈtan-i-kəl 

variants also botanic

bə-ˈtan-ik 

1

: of or relating to plants or botany

2

: derived from plants

botanically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

botanical

2 of 2 noun

variants also botanic

: a medicinal preparation derived from a plant : herbal remedy

The popular botanical ginkgo biloba does not improve memory, nor does it prevent cognitive decline in older people, according to the largest and longest scientific study conducted on the supplement.

—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today