shepherd's purse

noun

: a white-flowered weedy annual herb (Capsella bursa-pastoris) of the mustard family with flat heart-shaped pods

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shepherd's purse was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near shepherd's purse

Cite this Entry

“Shepherd's purse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shepherd%27s%20purse. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on shepherd's purse

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!