jasmine

noun

jas·​mine ˈjaz-mən How to pronounce jasmine (audio)
variants or less commonly jessamine
ˈje-smən, 
ˈje-sə-mən How to pronounce jasmine (audio)
1
a
: any of numerous often climbing shrubs (genus Jasminum) of the olive family that usually have extremely fragrant flowers
especially : a tall-climbing semievergreen Asian shrub (J. officinale) with fragrant white flowers from which oil is extracted for use in perfumes
b
: any of numerous plants having sweet-scented flowers
especially : yellow jessamine
2
: a light yellow

Illustration of jasmine

Illustration of jasmine
  • jasmine 1a

Examples of jasmine 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.
That, however, is softened by plums and blueberries, with a dash of honeysuckle and jasmine. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026 The titular ingredient is the star, but it’s balanced by orchids and jasmine and given depth with bergamot and patchouli. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 30 July 2026 The scent, which retails for $55, is described as a floral musk with hints of peach, jasmine and pink peony. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 29 July 2026 The traditional preparation begins with jasmine or gunpowder green tea. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for jasmine

Word History

Etymology

Middle French jasmin, from Arabic yāsamīn, from Persian

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of jasmine was in 1562

Phrases Containing jasmine

Rhymes for jasmine

See All Rhymes for jasmine

Browse Nearby Words

Jasminaceae
jasmine
jasmine family
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jasmine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jasmine. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

jasmine

noun
jas·​mine ˈjaz-mən How to pronounce jasmine (audio)
variants or jessamine
ˈjes-(ə-)mən
: any of numerous often climbing shrubs that are related to the olive and have extremely fragrant flowers
also : any of various plants noted for sweet-scented flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on jasmine

Nglish: Translation of jasmine for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jasmine

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