henna

American  

[hen-uh] / ˈhɛn ə /

noun

1. an Asian shrub or small tree, Lawsonia inermis, of the loosestrife family, having elliptic leaves and fragrant flowers.

2. a reddish-orange dye or cosmetic made from the leaves of this plant.

3. a color midway between red-brown and orange-brown.

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verb (used with object)

hennaed, hennaing

1. to tint or dye with henna.

henna British  

/ ˈhɛnə /

noun

1. a lythraceous shrub or tree, Lawsonia inermis, of Asia and N Africa, with white or reddish fragrant flowers

2. a reddish dye obtained from the powdered leaves of this plant, used as a cosmetic and industrial dye

3. a reddish-brown or brown colour

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verb

1. (tr) to dye with henna

Etymology

Origin of henna

First recorded in 1590–1600, henna is from the Arabic word hinnā'

Example Sentences

Light-up toys flashed in every kid’s hands and fireworks exploded overhead while henna artists inked swirling patterns onto excited patrons.

From Slate • Apr. 5, 2025

A woman with henna tattoos prays during the Islamic Society of West Valley’s Eid celebration and open air prayer service at the Pierce College stadium in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2024

Researchers used lawsone, a red-orange compound found in henna leaves that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, to boost the performance of cotton.

From Science Daily • Feb. 8, 2024

They were returning home from a Somali mall where they had henna applied in preparation for a friend’s wedding scheduled for the next day when their car was struck.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 20, 2023

Nabila admired my intricate orange henna designs, and Fatima hugged me and didn’t let go until she extracted a promise of a lesson as soon as our work was done.

From "Amal Unbound" by Aisha Saeed