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

Example Sentences

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

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

Next, in keeping with the Pompeian penchant for seafood, was a briny dish of pickled mussels sitting in a lovage froth and seasoned with mussel cream and garum.

From New York Times • Dec. 23, 2019

A strong smell of lovage came in her nostrils; a purple gown near the door swung softly against her face as if impelled by some wind from within.

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