basil

noun

ba·​sil ˈba-zəl  ˈbā-  -səl 

1

: any of several aromatic herbs (genus Ocimum) of the mint family

especially : sweet basil

2

: the dried or fresh leaves of a basil used especially as a seasoning

Examples of basil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What to order: A classic pie with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil. —Chrissy Suttles, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025

The rest are versions of classics done with a spin, such as the basil trofie — served as Leonti’s grandparents would in Liguria — but here made using techniques that make the pesto herbs’ greens more vibrant. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2025

Its 16-inch pizza options include: the Pendleton Heights hot pepperoni (mozzarella, red sauce, fresh basil and olive oil) for $22 and the Northeast supreme (mozzarella, red sauce, pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, bell peppers and roasted onion) for $24. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 Feb. 2025

Just keep in mind that chive plants grow perennially in most areas, while basil is usually grown as an annual and will need to be replanted each spring. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English basyl, basyle, shortening (perhaps by confusion with Middle French basile "basilisk") of Middle French basilic or its source, Medieval Latin basilicon, borrowed from Greek basilikón (for presumed basilikòn phytón "royal plant"), noun derivative from neuter of basilikós "royal" — more at basilica

Note: The word basilikón as a name for a plant or herb is marginally attested in ancient and early post-classical Greek, the usual word for what is presumed to be Ocimum basilicum in Greek being ṓkimon. The identity of a lákhanon basilikón ("royal herb") in the pseudo-Aristotelian De plantis (2nd century b.c.) is uncertain. The lexicon of Hesychius (5th-6th centuries a.d., incorporating much ancient material) glosses ṓkimon as "fragrant herb, called basilikón" ("botánē euṓdēs, tò legómenon basilikón").

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing basil

• bush basil
• sweet basil

Rhymes for basil

• dazzle

Kids Definition

basil

noun

bas·​il

ˈbaz-əl,

ˈbāz-,

ˈbas-,

ˈbās-

: any of several plants of the mint family

especially : sweet basil

Biographical Definition

Basil

biographical name

Bas·​il ˈbā-zəl 

ˈba-,

-səl

variants or Basilius

bə-ˈsi-lē-əs 

-ˈzi-

Saint circa 329–379 the Great church father; bishop of Caesarea