gentian

noun

gen·​tian ˈjen(t)-shən How to pronounce gentian (audio)
1
: any of numerous herbs (family Gentianaceae, the gentian family, and especially genus Gentiana) with opposite smooth leaves and showy usually blue flowers
2
: the rhizome and roots of a yellow-flowered gentian (Gentiana lutea) of southern Europe that is used as a tonic, stomachic, and flavoring in vermouth

Examples of gentian 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.
Spikes of tiny pink orchids and clusters of deep blue gentian dot the sides of the trail. — R29 Team, Refinery29, 19 Sep. 2025 Tiny golden buttercups, scarlet gilia, purple sticky geraniums, and 3-foot green gentians, which live for decades but only bloom once, are all on display. — J.d. Simkins, Sunset Magazine, 26 Apr. 2022 This year’s Olympic Games bouquet consists of eustoma, sunflower, gentian, narcolan and haran blossoms. — Raisa Bruner, Time, 7 Feb. 2020 Loved for their large, ruffled petals that resemble roses or peonies, prairie gentian (Lisianthus) comes in various colors, including white, pink, purple, and blue. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gentian

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gencian, from Anglo-French genciane, from Latin gentiana

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gentian was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing gentian

Rhymes for gentian

See All Rhymes for gentian

Browse Nearby Words

genthite
gentian
Gentiana
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

gentian

noun
gen·​tian ˈjen-chən How to pronounce gentian (audio)
: any of various herbs with smooth leaves and showy bell-shaped or funnel-shaped usually blue flowers

Medical Definition

gentian

noun
gen·​tian ˈjen-chən How to pronounce gentian (audio)
1
: any of numerous herbaceous plants (family Gentianaceae, the gentian family, and especially genus Gentiana) having opposite smooth leaves and showy usually blue flowers
2
: the rhizome and roots of a yellow-flowered gentian (Gentiana lutea) of southern Europe that is used as a tonic and stomachic

called also gentian root

More from Merriam-Webster on gentian

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gentian

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