verbena

[ ver-bee-nuh ]

noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Verbena, especially any of several hybrid species cultivated for their showy flower clusters. Compare verbena family.
2. any of various other plants, as the lemon verbena or sand verbena.

verbena

/ vɜːˈbiːnə /

noun

1. See vervain
   any plant of the verbenaceous genus Verbena, chiefly of tropical and temperate America, having red, white, or purple fragrant flowers: much cultivated as garden plants See also vervain
2. any of various similar or related plants, esp the lemon verbena

Word History and Origins

Origin of verbena¹

1560–70; < Medieval Latin verbēna, Latin: leafy twig; vervain

Word History and Origins

Origin of verbena¹

C16: via Medieval Latin, from Latin: sacred bough used by the priest in religious acts, vervain

Example Sentences

Do not keep lemon verbena in too long or it will give the syrup a bitter quality.

From The Daily Beast

Half an hour later we crossed the tracks at Verbena and turned into a broad marl road.

From Project Gutenberg

Water in porous jars, often flavoured with rose-leaves or verbena, is presented by servants as the meal proceeds.

From Project Gutenberg

The leaves of the plant emit a strong odor when rubbed, likened to that of the lemon verbena.

From Project Gutenberg

The insect still hovered over the verbena blossoms, but as the girl drew near it rose and sailed away.

From Project Gutenberg

It's a jar of bath salts—verbena—all of which I am going to use.

From Project Gutenberg