basil

¹ American  

[baz-uhl, bas-, bey-zuhl, -suhl] / ˈbæz əl, ˈbæs-, ˈbeɪ zəl, -səl /

noun

1. any of several aromatic herbs belonging to the genus Ocimum, of the mint family: prized for its savory green leaves, sweet basil (O. basilicum) has more than 150 culinary cultivars, including the tiny-leafed bush basil, the large-leafed mammoth basil, and the purple-leafed dark opal basil.

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Basil ² American  

[baz-uhl, bas-, bey-zuhl, -suhl] / ˈbæz əl, ˈbæs-, ˈbeɪ zəl, -səl /

noun

1. Saint. Also the Great, a.d. 329?–379, bishop of Caesarea in Asia Minor (brother of Saint Gregory of Nyssa).

2. a first name: from a Greek word meaning “royal.”

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basil ¹ British  

/ ˈbæzəl /

noun

1. Also called: sweet basil.  a Eurasian plant, Ocimum basilicum , having spikes of small white flowers and aromatic leaves used as herbs for seasoning: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

2. Also called: wild basil.  a European plant, Satureja vulgaris (or Clinopodium vulgare ), with dense clusters of small pink or whitish flowers: family Lamiaceae

3. a European plant, Acinos arvensis , having clusters of small violet-and-white flowers: family Lamiaceae

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Basil ² British  

/ ˈbæzəl /

noun

1. Saint , called the Great , ?329–379 _ad , Greek patriarch: an opponent of Arianism and one of the founders of monasticism. Feast day: Jan 2, June 14, or Jan 1

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Etymology

Origin of basil

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English basile, from Middle French, from Late Latin basilicum, from Greek basilikón, neuter of basilikós “royal”; basilic

Example Sentences

It smells like basil and oregano, and my mouth waters.

From Literature

There’s the Italian-style pasta salad, tossed in olive oil and vinegar and studded with olive-bar favorites — roasted red pepper, artichoke hearts, basil — and perhaps some deli stalwarts, like chopped cured meats or cheeses.

From Salon

You can also try muddling in fresh basil or citrus peel to amp up the mocktail’s bitterness.

From Salon

It’s a dish both humble and indulgent, part Italian-American tradition, part Midwestern weeknight comfort, where fennel and basil lend aromatic depth and the meat-sauce mix keeps each forkful savory and layered.

From Salon

Surrounded by pots of basil, stuffed animals, lanterns and religious icons, this improvised tribute is maintained by a citizens' collective claiming to be apolitical.

From Barron's