basil

¹

[ baz-uhl, bas-, bey-zuhl, -suhl ]

noun

1. any of several aromatic herbs belonging to the genus Ocimum, of the mint family: prized for its savory green leaves, sweet basil (O. basilicum) has more than 150 culinary cultivars, including the tiny-leafed bush basil, the large-leafed mammoth basil, and the purple-leafed dark opal basil.

Basil

²

[ baz-uhl, bas-, bey-zuhl, -suhl ]

noun

1. Saint. Also the Great, a.d. 329?–379, bishop of Caesarea in Asia Minor (brother of Saint Gregory of Nyssa).
2. a first name: from a Greek word meaning “royal.”

Basil

¹

/ ˈbæzəl /

noun

1. Basil, Saint?329379MGreekMISC: patriarchRELIGION: saint Saint , called the Great , ?329–379 ad , Greek patriarch: an opponent of Arianism and one of the founders of monasticism. Feast day: Jan 2, June 14, or Jan 1

basil

²

/ ˈbæzəl /

noun

1. Also calledsweet basil a Eurasian plant, Ocimum basilicum , having spikes of small white flowers and aromatic leaves used as herbs for seasoning: family Lamiaceae (labiates)
2. Also calledwild basil a European plant, Satureja vulgaris (or Clinopodium vulgare ), with dense clusters of small pink or whitish flowers: family Lamiaceae
3. basil-thyme
   a European plant, Acinos arvensis , having clusters of small violet-and-white flowers: family Lamiaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of basil¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English basile, from Middle French, from Late Latin basilicum, from Greek basilikón, neuter of basilikós “royal”; basilic

Word History and Origins

Origin of basil¹

C15: from Old French basile , from Late Latin basilicum , from Greek basilikon , from basilikos royal, from basileus king

Example Sentences

The fruit and vegetables had all come from our CSA, and I think somewhere in there was basil we had planted on our balcony.

From Eater

For the tender herb, I went with mint because peas and mint are a classic combo for a reason, but any tender herb such as basil, dill, parsley or cilantro would work.

From Washington Post

As the star of the dish, the spinach is served spooned onto the center of the plate, topped with a piece of chicken, garnished with basil leaves and, if you’d like, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, for a fresh, nourishing way to get your green on.

From Washington Post

Then, the creamed spinach is made cheesy and rich with a heap of Parmesan cheese, and fragrant with a handful of fresh basil ribbons.

From Washington Post

Add the spinach and basil and cook, stirring, until warmed through and combined, 2 to 3 minutes.

From Washington Post

In the sixth episode of the BBC comedy series, Basil Fawlty is desperately trying to serve dinner to a party of German guests.

From The Daily Beast

And like David Paterson, another indulged child of another New York political powerhouse, Basil Paterson.

From The Daily Beast

We would go to the Tin Palace, the Village Vanguard, the Village Gate, and Sweet Basil.

From The Daily Beast

Acid Reflux and Indigestion - Chew a few basil leaves after a meal.

From The Daily Beast

Whiter Teeth—Make a paste by crushing some basil leaves with the zest of an orange.

From The Daily Beast

"Ah don't say anything against them when I'm one of them," Basil Dashwood laughed.

From Project Gutenberg

"We translate your pieces—there will be plenty of parts," Basil Dashwood said.

From Project Gutenberg

In the neighborhood of Basil he assembled and divided his army.

From Project Gutenberg

The fame of Basil 18 is immortal in the monastic history of the East.

From Project Gutenberg

The fame of Basil is immortal in the monastic history of the East.

From Project Gutenberg