kava

noun

ka·​va ˈkä-və 

1

: an Australasian shrubby pepper (Piper methysticum) from whose crushed root an intoxicating beverage is made

also : the beverage made from kava

2

: the dried rhizome and roots of the kava used especially as a dietary supplement chiefly to relieve stress and anxiety

Examples of kava in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most Popular Editor Tip: If CBD isn't your thing, Foria also makes a CBD-free version of the arousal oil formulated with organic botanicals such as kava root and cacao. —Jamie Ballard, Allure, 28 Mar. 2024

It’s widely sold in Florida — except in Sarasota County, which banned it — mainly at gas stations, smoke shops and kava bars. —Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2024

For example, kava has been said to decrease anxiety and hot flashes—but the FDA has issued a warning about kava because of its potential to damage the liver, according to NAMS. —Emilia Benton, Women's Health, 8 Sep. 2023

Beyond its beaches, travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting crafts markets and participating in traditional kava ceremonies. —Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2023

Dinners are communal and hosted by a different team member each night, and there’s also a nightly kava ceremony for further bonding with the longtime staff. —Kathryn Romeyn, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2023

And then there’s the kava. —Ben Crandell, sun-sentinel.com, 21 Apr. 2021

This product has quickly become a leader with its unique mix of CBD and kava extracts, essential oils, and botanicals that help create an intimate experience like no other. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2023

During his visit, Charles was appointed honorary chief and drank kava. —Mica Soellner, Washington Examiner, 12 Apr. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Tongan & Marquesan, literally, bitter

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing kava

• kava kava

Medical Definition

kava

noun

ka·​va ˈkäv-ə 

1

: an Australasian shrubby pepper (Piper methysticum) from whose crushed root an intoxicating beverage is made

also : the beverage

2

: a preparation consisting of the ground dried rhizome and roots of the kava plant that is used as a dietary supplement chiefly to relieve stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness and in folk medicine especially as a diuretic and urogenital antiseptic and that has been linked to cases of severe liver injury