sweet basil
noun
: a basil (Ocimum basilicum) with whitish or purple flowers that includes several cultivars (such as bush basil)
also
: its dried or fresh leaves used especially as a seasoning
Examples of sweet basil in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Typically, sweet basil, such as Genovese basil or Thai basil, is selected for companion planting, largely because these varieties are the most common types of basil used in cooking.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2025
While annual sweet basil is especially thirsty, perennial culinary basil thrives in half-day sun.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 June 2025
This calming blend of pure essential oils, including sweet orange, lavender, patchouli, peppermint, sweet basil, and chamomile, can be used in a diffuser or on a tissue to create a relaxing, calming effect.
—Health Editorial Team, Health, 14 Mar. 2025
Other standout treatments include the Alpine Muscle Relief massage, which helps weary bodies recover after an exerting day, and the Spirit of the Mountains, which incorporates massage and a warm herbal poultice of lemongrass, kaffir lime and sweet basil.
—Linnea Covington, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sweet basil
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.
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2025
While annual sweet basil is especially thirsty, perennial culinary basil thrives in half-day sun.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 June 2025
This calming blend of pure essential oils, including sweet orange, lavender, patchouli, peppermint, sweet basil, and chamomile, can be used in a diffuser or on a tissue to create a relaxing, calming effect.
—Health Editorial Team, Health, 14 Mar. 2025
Other standout treatments include the Alpine Muscle Relief massage, which helps weary bodies recover after an exerting day, and the Spirit of the Mountains, which incorporates massage and a warm herbal poultice of lemongrass, kaffir lime and sweet basil.
—Linnea Covington, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sweet basil
Cite this Entry
“Sweet basil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweet%20basil. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share