lavender

1 of 2

noun

lav·​en·​der ˈla-vən-dər 

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 

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

Noun

Finally, specialty syrups, such as lavender or honey, offer a simple way to incorporate unique flavors into classic cocktails. —Rachel King, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

The 100 percent silk eye pillow has an adjustable pouch filled with lavender and flax seed, as well as a cooling gel eye mask. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

In 2007, there was a small case series published in the New England Journal of Medicine linking gynecomastia — an enlargement of breast tissue — in young boys to exposure to tea tree and lavender essential oils. —Trisha Pasricha, Washington Post, 15 July 2024

Here's a gift box of decadent truffles filled with subtle, soothing flavors like chamomile, turmeric, and lavender that just might transport your giftee with each bite. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 19 Sep. 2024

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

Phrases Containing lavender

• sea lavender
• spike lavender

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