plural botanicals
: a substance obtained or derived from a plant: such as
a
: a plant part or extract used especially in skin and hair care products
Certain botanicals are naturals for bringing out the best in the color and condition of the hair.—
Elle
Elle
b
: a medicinal preparation derived from a plant
The popular botanical ginkgo biloba does not improve memory, nor does it prevent cognitive decline in older people, according to the largest and longest scientific study conducted on the supplement.—Elizabeth Weise
Elizabeth Weise
c
: plant material used as a flavoring agent (as in gin)
—usually plural
The makeup of gin is basically neutral grain spirits flavored with juniper and other botanicals, and reduced to no less than 80 proof with water.—Emanuel and Madeline Greenberg
Emanuel and Madeline GreenbergExamples of botanical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2025
Wine proxies, on the other hand, mimic wine-like flavors by layering ingredients like fruit juices, botanical extracts, and teas.
—Carina Finn, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Aug. 2025
Iman Balagam, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2025
The ensemble took both structural and motif influence from the delicate botanical, featuring a calla lily appliqué on the bodice of the ensemble.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for botanical
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Adjective
The Sloe Gin Fizz is like a cross between a Tom Collins, a French 75, and an Aperol Spritz—bright and bubbly like a Collins and elegant like a French 75, but with the tart, fruity depth of sloe berries instead of botanical gin or bitter liqueur.
—Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2025
Wine proxies, on the other hand, mimic wine-like flavors by layering ingredients like fruit juices, botanical extracts, and teas.
—Carina Finn, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
It’s formulated with a blend of Japanese botanicals and other moisturizers, including Hadasei-3, which is made of green tea, rice, and algae.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2025
The ensemble took both structural and motif influence from the delicate botanical, featuring a calla lily appliqué on the bodice of the ensemble.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for botanical
Cite this Entry
“Botanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/botanical. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
botanical
1 of 2 adjective
bo·tan·i·cal
bə-ˈtan-i-kəl 
1
: of or relating to plants or botany
2
: made or obtained from plants
botanical drugs
botanical
2 of 2 noun
: a usually cosmetic or medicinal product prepared from or containing a plant part or extract
also
: the plant part or extract used in such a product
Medical Definition
botanical
1 of 2 adjective
bo·tan·i·cal
bə-ˈtan-i-kəl
variants
also botanic
1
: of or relating to plants or botany
2
: derived from plants
botanical
2 of 2 noun
variants
also botanic
: a medicinal preparation derived from a plant : herbal remedy
The popular botanical ginkgo biloba does not improve memory, nor does it prevent cognitive decline in older people, according to the largest and longest scientific study conducted on the supplement.—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today
Elizabeth Weise, USA TodayLove words? Need even more definitions?
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