stevia

noun

ste·​via ˈstē-vē-ə 

-vyə

1

: any of a genus (Stevia) of composite herbs and shrubs of tropical and subtropical America

especially : a white-flowered tender perennial (S. rebaudiana) native to Paraguay

2

: a white powder composed of one or more intensely sweet glycosides derived from the leaves of a stevia (S. rebaudiana) and used as noncaloric sweetener

Examples of stevia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One way to improve the taste is to add a natural sweetener such as honey, maple syrup or stevia to the mix. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026

This spray comes in two flavors, lavender and mint, and is sweetened with stevia. —Julia Forbes, Wired News, 31 Jan. 2026

For an even easier drinking experience, try this instant latte, which includes stevia and organic lucuma for sweetness. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

Instead of buying the storebought varieties, make your own hot chocolate with skim or almond milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a healthier sweetener like stevia. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Petrus Jacobus Stevus (Pedro Jaime Esteve) †1555 Spanish physician and botanist

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stevia

• previa

Medical Definition

stevia

noun

ste·​via ˈstē-vē-ə 

: a South American perennial shrub (Stevia rebaudiana) of the composite family

also : a very sweet noncaloric glycoside-containing substance that is obtained from the leaves of the stevia