lovage

American  

[luhv-ij] / ˈlʌv ɪdʒ /

noun

1. a European plant, Levisticum officinale, of the parsley family, having coarsely toothed compound leaves, cultivated in gardens.

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lovage British  

/ ˈlʌvɪdʒ /

noun

1. a European umbelliferous plant, Levisticum officinale, with greenish-white flowers and aromatic fruits, which are used for flavouring food

2. a similar and related plant, Ligusticum scoticum, of N Europe

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Etymology

Origin of lovage

1350–1400; Middle English loveache < Anglo-French luvesche (by association with ache celery < Latin apium ) < Old English lufestice (by syncope) < Medieval Latin levistica, for Late Latin levisticum, alteration of Latin ligusticum lovage, noun use of neuter of Ligusticus Ligurian

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lovage

Leafy greens and herbs: arugula, spinach, beet greens, mustard greens, radish tops, kale, dandelion, nasturtiums, fennel fronds, nettles, lovage, microgreens.

From Salon ● Apr. 25, 2025

Chervil, summer savory, fennel and lovage are exceptions, as they do benefit from modest fertilizer applications.

From Washington Times ● May 23, 2023

“There’s rhubarb coming up. And I see lovage and chives — lots and lots of chives,” she said, pointing to the different greens poking up from the garden that wraps around the building.

From Washington Post ● Jul. 8, 2022

Unlikely perennials for containers include blackberries and blueberries and "you can get a purple raspberry that does well", plus oregano or sage and more unusual herbs like lovage or savory.

From BBC ● Dec. 5, 2020

Amanda was always conscious of this fragrance of lovage as she tidied the room.

From The Wind in the rose-bush and other stories of the supernatural by Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman

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