lavender

1 of 2

noun

lav·​en·​der ˈla-vən-dər How to pronounce lavender (audio)
1
a
: a Mediterranean mint (Lavandula angustifolia synonym L. officinalis) widely cultivated for its narrow aromatic leaves and spikes of lilac-purple flowers which are dried and used in sachets and from which is extracted an aromatic oil used chiefly in perfumery
b
: any of several plants congeneric with true lavender and used similarly but often considered inferior
2
: a pale purple

lavender

2 of 2

verb

lavendered; lavendering ˈla-vən-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce lavender (audio)

transitive verb

: to sprinkle or perfume with lavender

Examples of lavender in a Sentence

Noun a small cloth bag filled with lavender
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The Lego Icons Wildflower Bouquet includes 16 adjustable stems and features eight species of wildflowers, including cornflower, lavender, Welsh poppies, lupins, larkspurs, gerbera daisies, cow parsley, and leatherleaf ferns. Nneya Richards, Parents, 5 Nov. 2024 Chef Victor Munoz is crafting a menu fusing local flavors with international preparations such as Dry Aged Rohan Duck with sweet potato, lavender, hibiscus and red rosebud jus and Tom Kha crudo with amberjack, wasabi and Miami fruit finger lime. Laurie Werner, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
Raspberry and pomegranate flavors open on the palate and are joined by notes of nutmeg, pencil lead, lavender, and milk chocolate that are lit up by a vein of bold acidity. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2024 It is blended with top notes of mandarin, lavender, bergamot, lemon tree leaves, and orange blossom. Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lavender 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English lavendre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin lavandula

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lavender was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near lavender

Cite this Entry

“Lavender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lavender. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lavender

noun
lav·​en·​der
ˈlav-ən-dər
1
a
: a Mediterranean mint widely cultivated for its narrow somewhat woolly leaves and stalks of small sweet-smelling pale violet flowers compare sea lavender
b
: the dried leaves and flowers of lavender used to perfume clothes and bed linen
2
: a pale purple

More from Merriam-Webster on lavender

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