lovage

noun

lov·​age ˈlə-vij How to pronounce lovage (audio)
: any of several aromatic perennial herbs of the carrot family
especially : a European herb (Levisticum officinale) sometimes cultivated for use in medicine especially as a diuretic and in cookery usually as a flavoring agent

Examples of lovage 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.
Some perennial culinary herbs, like oregano, thyme, sage, chives and lovage have all needed pruning, a few for the second time. Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 9 June 2023 Herbs to start from seed: Parsley, thyme, oregano, lavender, lovage, lemon balm. Jeff Lowenfels | Alaska Gardening and Growing, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Mar. 2023 Herbs: Anise, arugula, basil, borage, chive, cardamon, chervil, cilantro, coriander, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, lavender, lemon balm, lovage, Mexican tarragon, mint, nasturtium, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram, thyme and watercress. Tom MacCubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 30 Oct. 2021 Herbs: Anise, basil, bay laurel, borage, cardamom, chervil, chives, coriander, dill, fennel, garlic, lavender, lemon balm, lovage, mint, nasturtium, oregano, rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram, tarragon, thyme and water cress. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2022 See all Example Sentences for lovage 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lovache, from Anglo-French luvasche, lovasche, from Late Latin levisticum, alteration of Latin ligusticum, from neuter of ligusticus Ligurian, from Ligur-, Ligus, noun, Ligurian

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lovage was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near lovage

Cite this Entry

“Lovage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lovage. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

lovage

noun
lov·​age ˈləv-ij How to pronounce lovage (audio)
: any of several aromatic perennial herbs of the carrot family
especially : a European herb (Levisticum officinale) sometimes cultivated for its rhizomes which are used as a carminative in domestic remedies, for its stalks and foliage which are used as a potherb, a substitute for celery, or a tea, for its seeds which are used for flavoring and in confectionery, and for its flowering tops which yield an oil used in flavoring and perfumery

More from Merriam-Webster on lovage

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!