foxglove

noun

fox·​glove ˈfäks-ˌgləv 

: any of a genus (Digitalis) of erect herbs of the snapdragon family

especially : a common European biennial or perennial (D. purpurea) cultivated for its showy racemes of dotted white or purple tubular flowers and as a source of digitalis

Examples of foxglove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

They are made from the foxglove plant (Digitalis) and work by increasing the force of heart contractions (squeezing) and regulating heart rate.1317 Digoxin is an example of a cardiac glycoside. —Mary Choy, Verywell Health, 5 Sep. 2024

From formal rose gardens surrounded by boxwood hedges to cottage gardens overflowing with roses, foxglove, and native flowers, these layered blooms are held up as the star of the garden. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 26 July 2024

Janney suggests pairing roses with catmint, salvia, foxglove, scabiosa, and coneflower. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 26 July 2024

To maintain a persistent patch of foxgloves, avoid deadheading and allow plants to set seed after flowering. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

foxglove

noun

fox·​glove ˈfäks-ˌgləv 

: any of a genus of upright herbs related to the snapdragons

especially : a tall herb with showy dotted white or purple tube-shaped flowers that is a source of digitalis

Medical Definition

foxglove

noun

fox·​glove ˈfäks-ˌgləv 

: any plant of the genus Digitalis

especially : a common European biennial or perennial (D. purpurea) cultivated for its showy racemes of dotted white or purple tubular flowers and as a source of digitalis