aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈa-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce aloe (audio)
1
aloes plural : agarwood
2
a
: any of a large genus (Aloe) of succulent chiefly southern African plants of the lily family with basal leaves and spicate flowers
b
: the dried juice of the leaves of various aloes used especially formerly as a purgative
usually used in plural but singular in construction
c

Examples of aloe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Moisture loss in the skin is often accompanied by inflammation, which is why the Everything Rescue Balm from True Botanicals contains soothing calendula oil (which gives the balm its orange hue) and aloe. Eimear Lynch Monica Khemsurov Kurt Soller Gisela Williams Caitie Kelly Elissa Suh, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2024 The bar has couches and other comfy spots to sip on a cocktail among ivy and aloe. Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2024 This hydrating duo is formulated with aloe leaf juice, camellia seed oil, and amino acids to quench strands with moisture while also supporting a softer texture, stronger strands, and a smoother finish. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 15 Feb. 2024 Hyaluronic acid and aloe water provide hydration, caffeine firms and brightens, and probiotic extracts smooth and de-puff the area’s delicate skin, leaving behind an awakened look every time. Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023 The result is a delicious drink that actually feels quite like a sunburn slathered in aloe: somehow hot and cooling all at the same time. Alicia Valenski, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2024 Skin Intense Hydration Mask There’s something so satisfying about this cooling sheet mask, which refreshes skin and soothes angry breakouts by using watermelon and aloe extract. Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 17 Jan. 2024 Squalene assists its defensive properties, while aloe heals and restores. Brittany Johnson, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2024 There are sages, agaves and aloes, along with marrow, buckwheat and yucca. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2024

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

Middle English, from Late Latin, from Latin, dried juice of aloe leaves, from Greek aloē

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aloe was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near aloe

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

aloe

noun
al·​oe ˈal-ō How to pronounce aloe (audio)
1
: any of a large genus of chiefly southern African plants related to lilies and having spikes of often showy flowers
2
: the dried bitter juice of the leaves of an aloe used especially formerly as a strong laxative and tonic
usually used in plural
3

Medical Definition

aloe

noun
al·​oe ˈal-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce aloe (audio)
1
capitalized : a large genus of succulent chiefly southern African plants of the lily family with basal leaves and spicate flowers
2
: a plant of the genus Aloe
3
: the dried juice of the leaves of various aloes used especially formerly as a purgative and tonic
usually used in plural but singular in construction
4

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