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 based their conclusions on a systematic review examining how garlic extract performs against chlorhexidine in clinical settings and whether it can realistically function as an herbal substitute.

From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2025

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

She began taking supplements including an adaptogen blend and a herbal tonic to aid with stress management.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 1, 2025

Alys placed the knife carefully beside the corked containers of herbal infusions.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry