herbal

American  

[ur-buhl, hur-] / ˈɜr bəl, ˈhɜr- /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or consisting of herbs.

---

noun

1. a book about herbs or plants, usually describing their medicinal values.

2. a herbarium.

herbal British  

/ ˈhɜːbəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to herbs, usually culinary or medicinal herbs

2. informal interested or participating in activities relating to esoteric philosophies, traditional remedies, etc

---

noun

1. a book describing and listing the properties of plants

Etymology

Origin of herbal

First recorded in 1510–20, herbal is from the Medieval Latin word herbālis of, belonging to grass or herbs. See herb, -al ¹

Example Sentences

For me, that’s a pitcher of iced herbal tea with lemon.

From Salon • Mar. 9, 2026

The researchers examined a wide range of sources, including laboratory experiments, clinical observations, and historical herbal writings.

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

The company says it is developing traditional Chinese medicine, primarily herbal formulas, to treat autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

As well as the traditional South American herbal drink - a favourite of Argentina footballing legend Lionel Messi - England fly-half Smith would share lifts into training with Isgro.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

“Do you have more of that herbal salve?”

From "Messenger" by Lois Lowry