loosestrife

noun

loose·​strife ˈlü(s)-ˌstrīf How to pronounce loosestrife (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Lysimachia) of plants of the primrose family with leafy stems and usually yellow or white flowers
2
: any of a genus (Lythrum, family Lythraceae, the loosestrife family) of herbs having entire leaves and including some with showy spikes of purple flowers
especially : purple loosestrife

Examples of loosestrife in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web So, before kudzu, loosestrife and spurge take over your blank patches, plant plants. Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2023 Purple loosestrife is quickly recognizable, thanks to its upright purple flower spikes that bloom from midsummer through fall. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2022

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

intended as translation of Greek lysimacheios loosestrife (as if from lysis act of loosing + machesthai to fight) — more at lysis

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loosestrife was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near loosestrife

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

loosestrife

noun
loose·​strife ˈlü(s)-ˌstrīf How to pronounce loosestrife (audio)
1
: any of a genus of herbs that are related to the primroses and have leafy stems and yellow or white flowers
2
: any of a genus of herbs including some with showy spikes of purple flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on loosestrife

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