burnet

noun

bur·​net (ˌ)bər-ˈnet How to pronounce burnet (audio)
ˈbər-nət
: any of a genus (Sanguisorba) of herbs of the rose family with odd-pinnate stipulate leaves and spikes of apetalous flowers

Examples of burnet 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.
Meanwhile, Cameli casually forages for wild herbs among the vines, handing us wild mint and salad burnet to taste. Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 28 June 2021 The sale will also feature herb plants to include chamomile, cilantro, dill, parsley, sage, salad burnet and thyme. Kristi Nix, Houston Chronicle, 11 Sep. 2019 Oregano and Cuban oregano grow next to each other alongside a patch of salad burnet. Jenn Harris, latimes.com, 14 Mar. 2018 By searching the skin of burnet moth caterpillars for genes from the same families, Jensen showed that the insects produce linamarin and lotaustralin using a similar genetic trinity. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2011

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French burnete, from brun brown — more at brunette entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Cite this Entry

“Burnet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burnet. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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