herbal

1 of 2

noun

herb·​al ˈ(h)ər-bəl How to pronounce herbal (audio)
1
: a book about plants especially with reference to their medicinal properties
2
archaic : herbarium sense 1
3
: herbal medicine sense 2
Some herbals may indeed be gentle remedies. But using them with prescription drugs can be a dangerous mix.Josh Fischman

herbal

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, utilizing, or made of herbs

Examples of herbal 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.
Noun
The breathable material is infused with herbals like ashwagandha, valerian root, lavender, L-theanine, passion flower, lemon balm, and 4 milligrams of melatonin. Molly Higgins, Wired News, 23 Jan. 2026 Those bottlings tend to be richer and more assertive, showcasing rye bread, earthy grain, pepper, baking spices, and a tannic grip, while still preserving rye’s signature herbal and minty notes that many drinkers associate with Canadian rye. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Mixing in herbal ingredients into the water can also have added health benefits. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2026 Add a Spa Treatment Having a massage or relaxing in an herbal cocoon at The Spa is the perfect complement to soaking in the tepid springs. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for herbal

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1612, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of herbal was in 1526

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Herbal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herbal. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

herbal

adjective
herb·​al
ˈ(h)ər-bəl
: of, relating to, or made of herbs

Medical Definition

herbal

1 of 2 noun
herb·​al ˈ(h)ər-bəl How to pronounce herbal (audio)
1
: a book about plants especially with reference to their medical properties
2

herbal

2 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, or made of herbs

More from Merriam-Webster on herbal

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