purslane

noun

purs·​lane ˈpər-slən How to pronounce purslane (audio)
-ˌslān
: any of a family (Portulacaceae, the purslane family) of cosmopolitan usually succulent herbs
especially : a fleshy-leaved trailing plant (Portulaca oleracea) with tiny yellow flowers that is a common troublesome weed but is sometimes eaten as a potherb or in salads

Examples of purslane 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.
One study showed purslane to contain five times higher omega-3 fatty acids than spinach. — Khalil Alhajal, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Weed seeds can last a long time in the soil with purslane and dandelion seeds remaining viable up to 20 years and pigweed up to 40 years. — Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2026 Recently, marinated, raw tuna cubes sat on top of a creamy hazelnut and bean pure while a fatty pork jowl was balanced by a tart salsa verde and sprigs of purslane. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026 Ornamental purslane thrives in hot, dry climates and requires minimal watering. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for purslane

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French porsulaigne, from Late Latin porcillagin-, porcillago, alteration of Latin porcillaca, alteration of portulaca

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for purslane

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Browse Nearby Words

pursive
purslane
purslane family
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on purslane

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about purslane

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