agave

American  

[uh-gah-vee, uh-gey-] / əˈgɑ vi, əˈgeɪ- /

noun

1. any of numerous American plants belonging to the genus Agave, of the agave family, species of which are cultivated for economic or ornamental purposes: A. arizonica, of central Arizona, is an endangered species.

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agave British  

/ ˈæɡeɪv, əˈɡeɪvɪ /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Agave , native to tropical America, with tall flower stalks rising from a massive, often armed, rosette of thick fleshy leaves: family Agavaceae. Some species are the source of fibres such as sisal or of alcoholic beverages such as pulque and tequila See also century plant

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Etymology

Origin of agave

< New Latin (Linnaeus) < Greek agauḗ, feminine of agauós noble, brilliant

Compare meaning

How does agave compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• maguey vs. agave
• blue agave vs. agave

Example Sentences

In exchange, the EU will give access to Mexico to the bloc's market for products like coffee, fruits, chocolates and agave syrup.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

That work focused on agave populations rather than mezcal bottles, but it reinforces the same broader issue: the market for edible agave larvae can affect both the insect and the plant it depends on.

From Science Daily • Apr. 26, 2026

Same goes for Noche, where agave spirits are the stars of the bar and chefs wood-fire the fajitas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

One is the charming pueblo in foothills lined with neat rows of agave cactus.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

“There are a lot of agave plants,” Nathan observed.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young