basil

noun

UK /ˈbæz.əl/

US /ˈbeɪ.zəl/

Basil is a green plant with leaves that people use to add flavor to food.

She picked some fresh basil from the garden to put on her pizza.

SYNONYMS

herb sweet basil culinary herb aromatic plant

RELATED WORDS

pesto oregano mint parsley herb garden

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A sweet-smelling plant of the mint family used in cooking and medicine.

The recipe calls for a handful of chopped basil.

3. A name given to a boy, meaning royal or kingly.

Basil is an old-fashioned name that is becoming popular again.

4. A type of pesto sauce made mainly from basil leaves.

We had pasta with basil for dinner.