henna

1 of 2

noun

hen·​na ˈhe-nə 

1

: a reddish-brown dye that is used especially on hair and in temporary tattoos and is obtained from the leaves of an Old World tropical shrub or small tree

2

: the Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family that yields henna dye and has small opposite leaves and clusters of fragrant usually white flowers

henna

2 of 2

verb

hennaed; hennaing; hennas

transitive verb

: to dye with henna

a woman with hennaed hair

Examples of henna in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There will be free henna, slacklining and local artisan demonstrations. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026

When the older children wanted to get temporary henna tattoos, Russell allowed Mason Abrams, the youngest, to join in. —Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026

After discussing the logistics of running a business, Muse provided a mini-training course on the art of henna application. —La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026

There will also be hands-on creative activities for people of all ages, including printmaking, henna and glitter tattoos, foam crafts, sand art, caricatures, and more. —Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Arabic ḥinnā'

First Known Use

Noun

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1851, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for henna

• bena
• bene
• gena
• kenna
• plena
• senna
• antenna
• duenna
• gehenna
• subpena

Kids Definition

henna

1 of 2 noun

hen·​na ˈhen-ə 

: a reddish brown dye obtained from the leaves of an Old World tropical shrub and used especially on hair

henna

2 of 2 verb

hennaed

ˈhen-əd

; hennaing

: to dye or tint with henna

Medical Definition

henna

noun

hen·​na ˈhen-ə 

1

: an Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family (Lythraceae) with clusters of fragrant white flowers

2

: a reddish brown dye obtained from the leaves of the henna plant and used especially on hair and in temporary tattoos