black cohosh

noun

1
: a large perennial herb (Actaea racemosa synonym Cimicifuga racemosa) native to moist woodlands of the eastern U.S. and Canada that has ternately compound leaves and clusters of small white flowers
2
or less commonly black cohosh root : the rhizome and roots of the black cohosh used especially to treat symptoms of menopause
also : a preparation or extract of this root used as an herbal remedy

Examples of black cohosh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Examples include amiodarone, methotrexate, and black cohosh. — Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 2 Apr. 2025 Side effects of black cohosh may include breast tenderness, dizziness, tiredness, and headache.18 Licorice Root Licorice root is an herb used as a flavor additive to food and beverages. — Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 9 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of black cohosh was in 1828

Rhymes for black cohosh

See All Rhymes for black cohosh

Browse Nearby Words

black code
black cohosh
black comb
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Cite this Entry

“Black cohosh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20cohosh. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

black cohosh

noun
1
: a large perennial herb (Cimicifuga racemosa synonym Actaea racemosa) native to moist woodlands of the eastern U.S. and Canada and having racemes of small white flowers
2
also black cohosh root : the rhizome and roots of the black cohosh used especially to treat menopausal symptoms
also : a preparation or extract of this root used as an herbal remedy
… a year-long study involving 351 women published last month in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that 160 milligrams of black cohosh a day was no more effective than a sugar pill. — Rita Rubin, USA Today

Note: Black cohosh is also called black snakeroot and bugbane.

More from Merriam-Webster on black cohosh

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about black cohosh

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