basil

noun

ba·​sil ˈba-zəl How to pronounce basil (audio) ˈbā- How to pronounce basil (audio) -səl How to pronounce basil (audio)
1
: any of several aromatic herbs (genus Ocimum) of the mint family
especially : sweet basil
2
: the dried or fresh leaves of a basil used especially as a seasoning

Examples of basil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Blackberries are muddled with fresh basil to release their flavorful juice before topping with wine, sparkling lemon soda and fresh nectarine slices in this dazzling cocktail that is hard to beat on a hot summer afternoon. —Laura McLively, Mercury News, 22 July 2025 Nearby were beds of purple basil, Swiss chard, okra, dill, cilantro, and multiple breeds of tomato. —Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 21 July 2025 Meanwhile, stir together mayonnaise, basil, and lemon zest in a small bowl. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 19 July 2025 Finally, the dish is finished with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for basil

Word History

Etymology

Middle English basyl, basyle, shortening (perhaps by confusion with Middle French basile "basilisk") of Middle French basilic or its source, Medieval Latin basilicon, borrowed from Greek basilikón (for presumed basilikòn phytón "royal plant"), noun derivative from neuter of basilikós "royal" — more at basilica

Note: The word basilikón as a name for a plant or herb is marginally attested in ancient and early post-classical Greek, the usual word for what is presumed to be Ocimum basilicum in Greek being ṓkimon. The identity of a lákhanon basilikón ("royal herb") in the pseudo-Aristotelian De plantis (2nd century b.c.) is uncertain. The lexicon of Hesychius (5th-6th centuries a.d., incorporating much ancient material) glosses ṓkimon as "fragrant herb, called basilikón" ("botánē euṓdēs, tò legómenon basilikón").

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of basil was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing basil

Rhymes for basil

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Cite this Entry

“Basil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basil. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Kids Definition

basil

noun
bas·​il
ˈbaz-əl,
ˈbāz-,
ˈbas-,
ˈbās-
: any of several plants of the mint family
especially : sweet basil

Biographical Definition

Basil

biographical name

Bas·​il ˈbā-zəl How to pronounce Basil (audio)
ˈba-,
-səl
variants or Basilius
bə-ˈsi-lē-əs How to pronounce Basil (audio)
-ˈzi-
Saint circa 329–379 the Great church father; bishop of Caesarea

More from Merriam-Webster on basil

Nglish: Translation of basil for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about basil

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