lovage

noun

lov·​age ˈlə-vij 

: any of several aromatic perennial herbs of the carrot family

especially : a European herb (Levisticum officinale) sometimes cultivated for use in medicine especially as a diuretic and in cookery usually as a flavoring agent

Examples of lovage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some perennial culinary herbs, like oregano, thyme, sage, chives and lovage have all needed pruning, a few for the second time. —Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 9 June 2023

Herbs to start from seed: Parsley, thyme, oregano, lavender, lovage, lemon balm. —Jeff Lowenfels | Alaska Gardening and Growing, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Mar. 2023

Herbs: Anise, arugula, basil, borage, chive, cardamon, chervil, cilantro, coriander, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, lavender, lemon balm, lovage, Mexican tarragon, mint, nasturtium, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram, thyme and watercress. —Tom MacCubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 30 Oct. 2021

Herbs: Anise, basil, bay laurel, borage, cardamom, chervil, chives, coriander, dill, fennel, garlic, lavender, lemon balm, lovage, mint, nasturtium, oregano, rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram, tarragon, thyme and water cress. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lovache, from Anglo-French luvasche, lovasche, from Late Latin levisticum, alteration of Latin ligusticum, from neuter of ligusticus Ligurian, from Ligur-, Ligus, noun, Ligurian

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

lovage

noun

lov·​age ˈləv-ij 

: any of several aromatic perennial herbs of the carrot family

especially : a European herb (Levisticum officinale) sometimes cultivated for its rhizomes which are used as a carminative in domestic remedies, for its stalks and foliage which are used as a potherb, a substitute for celery, or a tea, for its seeds which are used for flavoring and in confectionery, and for its flowering tops which yield an oil used in flavoring and perfumery