1
: any of several aromatic herbs (genus Ocimum) of the mint family
especially
: sweet basil
2
: the dried or fresh leaves of a basil used especially as a seasoning
Examples of basil in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Meanwhile, the Enchanted glittered with edible pink shimmer dust, and bursting with fruity, botanical flavors – Grey Goose with watermelon basil essences, vermouth and basil.
—
John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Offering vivid aromas of lemon oil, pear and subtle hints of green herbs (basil, thyme), this is medium-full with a rich mid-palate, excellent persistence, lively acidity and outstanding complexity and persistence.
—Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The medley of red and yellow tomatoes which lend the just-right balance of sweetness and acidity, plus the fresh basil, make for a vibrant main dish on the table.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
What began as a quick bite to hold me over until dinner turned into a fully fledged feast of lemon tagliolini with swordfish ragu, maccheroncini cacio e pepe with citrus, and paccheri pasta with tomatoes, burrata, and basil.
—Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
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John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Offering vivid aromas of lemon oil, pear and subtle hints of green herbs (basil, thyme), this is medium-full with a rich mid-palate, excellent persistence, lively acidity and outstanding complexity and persistence.
—Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The medley of red and yellow tomatoes which lend the just-right balance of sweetness and acidity, plus the fresh basil, make for a vibrant main dish on the table.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
What began as a quick bite to hold me over until dinner turned into a fully fledged feast of lemon tagliolini with swordfish ragu, maccheroncini cacio e pepe with citrus, and paccheri pasta with tomatoes, burrata, and basil.
—Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for basil
Cite this Entry
“Basil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basil. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationBiographical Definition
Basil
biographical name
Bas·il
ˈbā-zəl 
ˈba-,
-səl
variants
or Basilius
bə-ˈsi-lē-əs
-ˈzi-
Saint circa 329–379 the Great church father; bishop of Caesarea
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