botanical

1 of 2

adjective

bo·​tan·​i·​cal bə-ˈta-ni-kəl How to pronounce botanical (audio)
1
: of or relating to plants or botany
2
: derived from plants
3
: species
botanical tulips
botanically adverb

botanical

2 of 2

noun

plural botanicals
: a substance obtained or derived from a plant: such as
a
: a plant part or extract used especially in skin and hair care products
Certain botanicals are naturals for bringing out the best in the color and condition of the hair.Elle
b
: a medicinal preparation derived from a plant
The popular botanical ginkgo biloba does not improve memory, nor does it prevent cognitive decline in older people, according to the largest and longest scientific study conducted on the supplement.Elizabeth Weise
c
: plant material used as a flavoring agent (as in gin)
usually plural
The makeup of gin is basically neutral grain spirits flavored with juniper and other botanicals, and reduced to no less than 80 proof with water.Emanuel and Madeline Greenberg

Examples of botanical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
It’s formulated with nutrient-rich seaweed and a botanical blend — think: notes of grapefruit, lime, and mango — to create a long-lasting moisture barrier that sinks right into the skin without any greasy residue. Jennifer Chan, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 The fast-absorbing product (read: no greasy residue!) contains soothing calendula, as well as a botanical blend of oils including grapefruit, sweet almond, argan, and olive. Brigitt Earley, Allure, 28 Feb. 2024 If this inner arrangement seems botanical, the exterior suggests a zeppelin as much as a seed. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2024 The hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and botanical extracts moisturize dogs with dry and itchy skin. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2024 The dish tastes somewhat like a Thai curry, but the lack of sauce emphasizes the meaty and botanical flavors over sheer heat. The Indianapolis Star, 25 Jan. 2024 Chamomile, Indian frankincense, and wheatgrass juice are some other botanical treatments that research has found to be safe and possibly beneficial among people with IBD. Markham Heid, TIME, 9 Feb. 2024 The best part is that its formulation contains a botanical blend of white waterlily, gardenia and lotus, which helps to nourish and soothe the skin with each application. Denise Primbet, Glamour, 8 Feb. 2024 Those botanical notes can complement the citrus in more complex ways. M. Carrie Allan, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2024
Noun
Unlike many other correctors, which can be drying, this one is especially hydrating, thanks to a blend of botanicals. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2024 And while the products’ natural botanicals benefit melanated skin, the line is designed for all skin types and genders. Sophie Prideaux, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2024 From acupuncture to yoga, here’s what the latest science has to say. Supplements, botanicals, and herbal therapies Humans have used botanical medicines for thousands of years, and experts say there are multiple herbs and botanicals that have shown promise for the treatment of IBD. Markham Heid, TIME, 9 Feb. 2024 And if ever there was a place to learn about the diversity of gins produced with local botanicals, Atlas is it. Liza Weisstuch, New York Times, 29 Jan. 2024 However, supplements — which encompass a whole slew of things from vitamins, minerals, amino acids, botanicals and herbs, among other things — can also cause side effects that are a little more unusual. Carina Woudenberg, Discover Magazine, 23 Jan. 2024 Boisterous by nature, gin is a symphony of strong botanicals that, when done well, makes the alcoholic flavor seem almost irrelevant. Allison Robicelli, Washington Post, 3 Jan. 2024 Stick around after the distillery tour to relax in the stylish bar and sip cocktails made from a selection of award-winning gins, some of which incorporate homegrown botanicals like sloe berries and rhubarb. Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2023 The brand is named after Berry Bros. & Rudd’s 3 St. James Street address in London, and is distilled in the Netherlands using three key botanicals for flavor—juniper, citrus, and spice (including cardamom, coriander, and angelica root). Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'botanical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French botanique, from Greek botanikos of herbs, from botanē pasture, herb, from boskein to feed, graze; probably akin to Lithuanian guotas flock

First Known Use

Adjective

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of botanical was in 1627

Dictionary Entries Near botanical

Cite this Entry

“Botanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/botanical. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

botanical

1 of 2 adjective
bo·​tan·​i·​cal bə-ˈtan-i-kəl How to pronounce botanical (audio)
1
: of or relating to plants or botany
2
: made or obtained from plants
botanical drugs
botanically adverb

botanical

2 of 2 noun
: a usually cosmetic or medicinal product prepared from or containing a plant part or extract
also : the plant part or extract used in such a product

Medical Definition

botanical

1 of 2 adjective
bo·​tan·​i·​cal bə-ˈtan-i-kəl How to pronounce botanical (audio)
variants also botanic
1
: of or relating to plants or botany
2
: derived from plants
botanically adverb

botanical

2 of 2 noun
variants also botanic
: a medicinal preparation derived from a plant : herbal remedy
The popular botanical ginkgo biloba does not improve memory, nor does it prevent cognitive decline in older people, according to the largest and longest scientific study conducted on the supplement.Elizabeth Weise, USA Today

More from Merriam-Webster on botanical

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