1
: any of several aromatic herbs (genus Ocimum) of the mint family
especially
: sweet basil
2
: the dried or fresh leaves of a basil used especially as a seasoning
Examples of basil in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The queen’s choice, with simple mozzarella, tomato, and basil, became known the world over as Pizza Margherita.
—
Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
Top it off with a few basil leaves before serving for a fresh final flourish.
—Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2025
Add the garlic, oregano, basil, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper and stir to coat.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Typically, with a creamy trio of chili pepper, basil and beetroot hummus.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for basil
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Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
Top it off with a few basil leaves before serving for a fresh final flourish.
—Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2025
Add the garlic, oregano, basil, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper and stir to coat.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Typically, with a creamy trio of chili pepper, basil and beetroot hummus.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for basil
Cite this Entry
“Basil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basil. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationBiographical Definition
Basil
biographical name
Bas·il
ˈbā-zəl 
ˈba-,
-səl
variants
or Basilius
bə-ˈsi-lē-əs
-ˈzi-
Saint circa 329–379 the Great church father; bishop of Caesarea
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