lovage

[ luhv-ij ]

noun

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

lovage

/ ˈlʌvɪdʒ /

noun

1. a European umbelliferous plant, Levisticum officinale, with greenish-white flowers and aromatic fruits, which are used for flavouring food
2. Scotch lovage
   a similar and related plant, Ligusticum scoticum, of N Europe

Word History and Origins

Origin of lovage¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lovage¹

C14 loveache, from Old French luvesche, from Late Latin levisticum, from Latin ligusticum, literally: Ligurian (plant)

Example Sentences

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

From Washington Times

She leaned over and plucked a few lovage leaves for each of us.

From Washington Post

Soft herbs with floppy leaves — parsley, basil, cilantro, mint, dill, chives, fennel fronds, lovage, even celery leaves — work well and won’t leave you chewing on twiggy stems.

From New York Times

This palette of perennials might also extend to strawberries, horseradish, lovage and asparagus.

From Washington Post

Williams would add sorrel, lovage and strawberries to the list.

From Washington Post