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

The French Broad Chocolate makers craft flavors ranging from the classic dark chocolate ganache to unique and adventurous flavor pairings like lavender honey. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025

Dwayne Johnson Dwayne Johnson accessorized his lavender Dolce & Gabbana shirt and jacket with an IWC Portugieser Eternal Calendar watch. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 6 Jan. 2025

Verb

This soak blends melatonin, lavender and chamomile essential oils to help calm the mind for a good night's sleep. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 13 Jan. 2025

The secluded pavilions, elevated to create vistas, have their own private gardens of sweet-scented roses, geraniums, and lavender, and colorful bougainvillea; pergolas topped with twisting honeysuckle; and roof terraces. —Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Dec. 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