neem

noun

: a large tropical Asian tree (Azadirachta indica) of the mahogany family having a bitter bark used as a tonic and leaves and seeds that have insecticidal and antiseptic properties and yield a medicinal aromatic oil

Examples of neem 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.
The homes had gardens filled with all manner of trees—papaya, mango, almond, rubber, jackfruit, and my beloved neem, which also grew outside my grandparents’ home in my ancestral village. Amitava Kumar, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025 Use peppermint oil or neem oil mixed according to the instructions on the label to get rid of these pests. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2024 To use neem oil for plants, dilute neem oil concentrate with water and add a bit of liquid soap to help to mix the water and oil. Kate McGregor, House Beautiful, 10 July 2023 There’s also some evidence neem oil may be harmful to humans so use with care. oregonlive, 3 June 2023 See All Example Sentences for neem

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu nīm, from Sanskrit nimba

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neem was in 1813

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Cite this Entry

“Neem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neem. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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