botanical

1 of 2

adjective

bo·​tan·​i·​cal bə-ˈta-ni-kəl How to pronounce botanical (audio)
1
: of or relating to plants or botany
2
: derived from plants
3
: species
botanical tulips
botanically adverb

botanical

2 of 2

noun

plural botanicals
: a substance obtained or derived from a plant: such as
a
: a plant part or extract used especially in skin and hair care products
Certain botanicals are naturals for bringing out the best in the color and condition of the hair.Elle
b
: a medicinal preparation derived from a plant
The popular botanical ginkgo biloba does not improve memory, nor does it prevent cognitive decline in older people, according to the largest and longest scientific study conducted on the supplement.Elizabeth Weise
c
: plant material used as a flavoring agent (as in gin)
usually plural
The makeup of gin is basically neutral grain spirits flavored with juniper and other botanicals, and reduced to no less than 80 proof with water.Emanuel and Madeline Greenberg

Examples of botanical in a Sentence

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.
Adjective
The dress’ ornate pattern included botanical inspiration, a slight nod to the forthcoming spring season. Julia Teti, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025 The exact botanical makeup is as follows: juniper, orris root, coriander, almond, licorice root, angelica seed, angelica root, bergamot, and lemon. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
The brand is usually pretty tightlipped about what the specific botanicals are that differentiate these new releases from the core gin. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025 Using a blend of nineteen different botanicals, its gentle, nuanced flavors are designed to capture the essence of summer. Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for botanical

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French botanique, from Greek botanikos of herbs, from botanē pasture, herb, from boskein to feed, graze; probably akin to Lithuanian guotas flock

First Known Use

Adjective

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of botanical was in 1627

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Cite this Entry

“Botanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/botanical. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

botanical

1 of 2 adjective
bo·​tan·​i·​cal bə-ˈtan-i-kəl How to pronounce botanical (audio)
1
: of or relating to plants or botany
2
: made or obtained from plants
botanical drugs
botanically adverb

botanical

2 of 2 noun
: a usually cosmetic or medicinal product prepared from or containing a plant part or extract
also : the plant part or extract used in such a product

Medical Definition

botanical

1 of 2 adjective
bo·​tan·​i·​cal bə-ˈtan-i-kəl How to pronounce botanical (audio)
variants also botanic
1
: of or relating to plants or botany
2
: derived from plants
botanically adverb

botanical

2 of 2 noun
variants also botanic
: a medicinal preparation derived from a plant : herbal remedy
The popular botanical ginkgo biloba does not improve memory, nor does it prevent cognitive decline in older people, according to the largest and longest scientific study conducted on the supplement.Elizabeth Weise, USA Today

More from Merriam-Webster on botanical

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