lemongrass

noun

lem·​on·​grass ˈle-mən-ˌgras How to pronounce lemongrass (audio)
: a grass (Cymbopogon citratus) of robust habit native to southern India and Ceylon that is grown in tropical regions for its lemon-scented foliage used as a seasoning and that is the source of an aromatic essential oil
also : its foliage

Examples of lemongrass 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.
The Vandy’s showcase restaurant item is fried chicken brined with ginger, lemongrass and star anise. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026 The lemony scent of lemongrass may be a delight to human noses, but flies and many other garden pests just don’t like the aroma. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026 Other scents include peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary and cedar wood. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 June 2026 They are most easily distinguished by looking at the base of the plant—citronella grass has a reddish color, while lemongrass is entirely green. — Cori Sears, The Spruce, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lemongrass

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lemongrass was in 1801

Rhymes for lemongrass

See All Rhymes for lemongrass

Browse Nearby Words

lemon geranium
lemongrass
lemongrass oil
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lemongrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lemongrass. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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