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.
Juicy and herbaceous, customers can't get enough of this candle's scent. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026 Moss is paired with sea salt for a subtle briny funk, while herbaceous sage, warm vetiver, and airy musk leave the scent light and refreshing. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 3 June 2026 Many herbaceous perennials benefit from cutting back in late winter before new growth emerges. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 There are savory and herbaceous notes of green pepper, pineapple, wet earth, and stone fruit on the palate, making this a complex and engaging sipper. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 June 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 10 Jul. 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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