stevia

noun

ste·​via ˈstē-vē-ə 

-vyə

1

: any of a genus (Stevia) of composite herbs and shrubs of tropical and subtropical America

especially : a white-flowered tender perennial (S. rebaudiana) native to Paraguay

2

: a white powder composed of one or more intensely sweet glycosides derived from the leaves of a stevia (S. rebaudiana) and used as noncaloric sweetener

Examples of stevia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some flavors include non-sugar sweeteners like stevia and sucralose, commonly sold under the name Splenda. —Natalie Wu, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025

After studies found no long-term benefit, the World Health Organization announced in May 2023 that people should not rely on any sugar substitute — including stevia and monk fruit — to control their weight. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025

Her favorite thing about the Your Super blend was how simple the ingredient list was, without any additives like stevia. —Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 23 Jan. 2025

Instead, it was dominated by the cloyingly sweet-without-sugar taste of stevia, vanilla, and dates. —Miyo McGinn, Outside Online, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Petrus Jacobus Stevus (Pedro Jaime Esteve) †1555 Spanish physician and botanist

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stevia

• previa

Medical Definition

stevia

noun

ste·​via ˈstē-vē-ə 

: a South American perennial shrub (Stevia rebaudiana) of the composite family

also : a very sweet noncaloric glycoside-containing substance that is obtained from the leaves of the stevia