herbaceous

adjective

her·​ba·​ceous ˌ(h)ər-ˈbā-shəs How to pronounce herbaceous (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an herb
b
of a stem : having little or no woody tissue and persisting usually for a single growing season
2
: having the texture, color, or appearance of a leaf

Examples of herbaceous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
More specifically, nutmeg and cloves add subtle warmth, while black pepper and bay leaves add a sharp and herbaceous undertone. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026 Swamp milkweed is a native, herbaceous perennial that enjoys damp soil but can adapt to drier conditions if there is an August drought. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026 Bartenders serve a small selection of wine in short glasses emblazoned with white lambs, and a cocktail list features beverages that range from light and herbaceous to sweet and heady. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 29 July 2026 To stake herbaceous peonies, use rings, grow-through grids, tomato cages, or homemade corrals made of bamboo and string. — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for herbaceous

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of herbaceous was in 1640

Phrases Containing herbaceous

Rhymes for herbaceous

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Browse Nearby Words

Herbaceae
herbaceous
herbaceous border
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Cite this Entry

“Herbaceous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herbaceous. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

herbaceous

adjective
her·​ba·​ceous ˌ(h)ər-ˈbā-shəs How to pronounce herbaceous (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or resembling an herb
2
: being a stem with little or no woody tissue and lasting usually only for a single growing season
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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