: 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
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Panthenol and purslane extract calm and reduce visible redness, while the lightweight formula blends in easily and layers seamlessly under makeup.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026
Common types are crabgrass, goosegrass, giant foxtail, smooth pigweed, common lambs quarters, purslane, galinsoga, common ragweed, and tall morning glory.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Consider planting pentas, sunflowers, zinnias, gomphrena, purslane, or marigolds.
—Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 14 Mar. 2026
In the summer or fall, look for purslane, lamb’s quarters or plantain.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2025
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Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026
Common types are crabgrass, goosegrass, giant foxtail, smooth pigweed, common lambs quarters, purslane, galinsoga, common ragweed, and tall morning glory.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Consider planting pentas, sunflowers, zinnias, gomphrena, purslane, or marigolds.
—Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 14 Mar. 2026
In the summer or fall, look for purslane, lamb’s quarters or plantain.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purslane
Cite this Entry
“Purslane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purslane. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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