borage

noun

bor·​age ˈbȯr-ij How to pronounce borage (audio)
ˈbär-
: a hardy, annual, prickly, European herb (Borago officinalis of the family Boraginaceae, the borage family) with star-shaped blue flowers that is widely naturalized as a weed and has leaves used as remedies in herbal medicine and also as food especially in salads or cooked as a vegetable

Examples of borage 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.
Dunlap notes that borage can grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, while tomatoes are known for their vigorous growth. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026 Many herbs have both culinary and medicinal value, and borage is one of them, as its seed oil has been found to promote healthier skin. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 15 May 2026 Planting borage near crops can help to increase pollinator activity. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 May 2026 Boost the pollination rate of your pepper plant by planting borage (Borago officinalis) near your pepper plant. — Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for borage

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French bourage, from Medieval Latin borrago, probably from Arabic dialect *būʽaraq, alteration of Arabic abū ʽaraq, literally, source of sweat; from its use as a diaphoretic

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of borage was in the 14th century

Rhymes for borage

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Browse Nearby Words

boracite
borage
borage family
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Cite this Entry

“Borage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/borage. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on borage

Nglish: Translation of borage for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about borage

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