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
Formulated with a blend of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and botanical extracts, this foot peel mask provides a deep and highly effective sloughing of dry skin. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Infused with botanical ingredients, the formulation smooths out the lips while coating them with velvety, matte color that melts into them like butter. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024 A little bit goes a long way, as the creamy formula is spiked with rich botanical hydrators that protect against UV damage and breakage on top of amplifying radiance. Mary Honkus, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2024 From body scrubs and lip balms, to eye serum and beard oil, all of Pure Stella’s products are still handmade in her kitchen using blends of botanical ingredients and essential oils. Laurie Larsh, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 This ancient botanical treasure, native to Southeast Asia, has been an integral part of cultural practices and rituals in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2024 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
Noun
That’s because the key botanicals used to flavor the spirit—rose petals and cucumber—were considered to be unusual at the time. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 The spa, voted one of the world’s best by Travel & Leisure, is a must for treatments inspired by the healing Ojo waters and native botanicals of the high desert. Anna Haines, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Each has strong botanicals to conjure the moodiness of a good amaro, plus the refreshing effervescence of a great sparkler or beer. Scott Hocker, theweek, 14 Jan. 2024 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

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 29 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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