aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈa-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce aloe (audio)
1
aloes plural : agarwood
2
a
: any of a large genus (Aloe) of succulent chiefly southern African plants of the lily family with basal leaves and spicate flowers
b
: the dried juice of the leaves of various aloes used especially formerly as a purgative
usually used in plural but singular in construction
c

Examples of aloe 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.
Aloe vera products taken by mouth include fresh aloe juice, sap, capsules, extracts, gels, and powders.24 Precautions Although aloe vera is considered safe for most people. Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025 This Best of Beauty-winning shampoo smells great and soothes dry, itchy scalps (with aloe) while tackling flakes (with piroctone olamine). Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 1 June 2025 Ere Perez’s clear formula, infused with aloe, pulls double duty as mascara and brow gel. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 15 May 2025 Succulents like agave, Dudleya, and aloe are some of the best low-maintenance landscaping options. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aloe

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin, from Latin, dried juice of aloe leaves, from Greek aloē

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aloe was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aloe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aloe. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

aloe

noun
al·​oe ˈal-ō How to pronounce aloe (audio)
1
: any of a large genus of chiefly southern African plants related to lilies and having spikes of often showy flowers
2
: the dried bitter juice of the leaves of an aloe used especially formerly as a strong laxative and tonic
usually used in plural
3

Medical Definition

aloe

noun
al·​oe ˈal-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce aloe (audio)
1
capitalized : a large genus of succulent chiefly southern African plants of the lily family with basal leaves and spicate flowers
2
: a plant of the genus Aloe
3
: the dried juice of the leaves of various aloes used especially formerly as a purgative and tonic
usually used in plural but singular in construction
4

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