henna

1 of 2

noun

hen·​na ˈhe-nə How to pronounce henna (audio)
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
Families can shop local through our Vendor Village, choose from more than 14 food trucks each day, sip on craft brews and local wine and children have face painting, henna, glitter tattoos, slime-making and yoga classes. Brian Gioiele, Connecticut Post, 3 Oct. 2024 As a sentimental touch, the bride recreated her mother’s wedding day henna design on her hands and feet. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2024 Beneath it, her natural hair had also been treated with care, dyed with henna and juniper. New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2024 Her natural hair had been dyed with juniper and henna. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for henna 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'henna.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of henna was in 1600

Dictionary Entries Near henna

Cite this Entry

“Henna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/henna. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

henna

1 of 2 noun
hen·​na ˈhen-ə How to pronounce henna (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce henna (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on henna

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