vervain

noun

ver·​vain ˈvər-ˌvān How to pronounce vervain (audio)
: any of a genus (Verbena of the family Verbenaceae, the vervain family) of chiefly American plants having bracted spicate flowers, a corolla with a 5-lobed limb, and a fruit that separates into four nutlets

Examples of vervain 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.
Hummingbirds slid their noses into plantain lily hostas and delicate stems of purpletop vervain. — Betsy Vereckey, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2022 While filled with plenty of angst and fangs, the series managed to create multiple memorable items perfect for gift-giving, from Elena’s vervain necklace to the Salvatores' daylight rings. — Abby Dupes, Seventeen, 30 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English verveine "the plant Verbena officinalis," borrowed from Anglo-French vervenne, verveyne, going back to Latin verbēna "leafy branch used ceremonially or medicinally," going back to *verbes-na, derivative of an s-stem noun *verbes-, whence Latin verbera (plural) "bundle of sticks used for flogging, blows"; akin to Croatian & Serbian vŕba "willow," Lithuanian virbas "twig, rod"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for vervain

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Browse Nearby Words

Verus
vervain
vervain family
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Cite this Entry

“Vervain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vervain. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

vervain

noun
ver·​vain ˈvər-ˌvān How to pronounce vervain (audio)
: any of a genus (Verbena of the family Verbenaceae, the vervain family) of plants including several (as V. hastata) formerly used as medicinal herbs
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