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Added 9 October 2026

herb

/hɜːb/ noun

In Latin: herba Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about herb at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests.
Aromatic potherb used in cookery for its savory qualities.

Origin

From Middle English herbe, erbe, from Old French erbe (French herbe), from Latin herba. Initial h was restored to the spelling in the 15th century on the basis of Latin, but it remained mute until the 19th century and still is for many speakers. Doublet of yerba.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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