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

In the casual garden, roses contrast and pair wonderfully with the vertical showy spikes of foxgloves, penstemons, delphiniums, stock and snapdragons and the tiny, dainty flowers of alyssum, daisies and nemesia. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025

And many popular types of flower seeds such as black-eyed Susan, zinnia, bachelor’s buttons, and foxglove also don't need soaking first. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2025

Examples of these herbs include foxglove, oleander, and lily-of-the-valley. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 6 Jan. 2025

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

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