henna

1 of 2

noun

hen·​na ˈhe-nə How to pronounce henna (audio)
1
: a reddish-brown dye that is used especially on hair and in temporary tattoos and is obtained from the leaves of an Old World tropical shrub or small tree
2
: the Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family that yields henna dye and has small opposite leaves and clusters of fragrant usually white flowers

henna

2 of 2

verb

hennaed; hennaing; hennas

transitive verb

: to dye with henna
a woman with hennaed hair

Examples of henna in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Get a henna tattoo, attend a wine tasting, browse the works of international artists, and enjoy the all-day jams. Sunset Magazine, 26 Dec. 2023 There’s a belly dance performance from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., belly dance instruction and henna body painting at 7:30 p.m., plus music, refreshments and socializing. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2024 Certain brands of henna powder may be worth considering (with considerations, of course). Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2023 Customers can choose from several different kinds of honey (some are infused with ginger and saffron), spices, coffee, and henna. Kareema Bee, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2023 Nail art has been around since ancient Egypt, when members of the upper class dyed their nails with henna. Arabelle Sicardi, Harper's BAZAAR, 1 Aug. 2023 Kodjoe noted that the experience was completed with a massage therapist, a henna artist and a nail technician. Ilana Frost, Peoplemag, 12 Dec. 2023 Shannon leaned down from her perch, her gaze fixed on my locks, and asked me if henna was part of my religion. Safiya Sinclair, The New Yorker, 31 July 2023 The brewery’s 10th anniversary celebration at its Ivy City home includes $5 beers all day, multiple bands, free pinball and arcade games, and face painting and henna tattoos. Chris Richards, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'henna.' 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

Noun

Arabic ḥinnā'

First Known Use

Noun

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of henna was in 1600

Dictionary Entries Near henna

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

henna

1 of 2 noun
hen·​na ˈhen-ə How to pronounce henna (audio)
: a reddish brown dye obtained from the leaves of an Old World tropical shrub and used especially on hair

henna

2 of 2 verb
hennaed
ˈhen-əd
; hennaing
: to dye or tint with henna

Medical Definition

henna

noun
hen·​na ˈhen-ə How to pronounce henna (audio)
1
: an Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family (Lythraceae) with clusters of fragrant white flowers
2
: a reddish brown dye obtained from the leaves of the henna plant and used especially on hair and in temporary tattoos

More from Merriam-Webster on henna

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