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

Choose from six colors like black, blue, and lavender. —Nicol Natale, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Its scent profile is a slightly more herbaceous take on the usually sweet note, thanks to the inclusion of patchouli and lavender, but its scent is nevertheless still mouth-watering. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Allure, 30 Nov. 2024

Verb

This clove, lavender, and cedarwood blend is an especially soothing scent that will elevate any self-care night. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

Florists typically bundle eucalyptus either by itself or with rose or lavender. —Mike Winters, CNBC, 29 Nov. 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