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.
Apply moisturizers containing vitamin E, zinc oxide, or aloe to keep the skin hydrated, which can reduce friction and minimize skin irritation in some instances, Green says. Erica Sweeney, Time, 16 July 2025 This alcohol-free formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture, as well as green tea, chamomile, and aloe for their hydrating, protecting, and soothing benefits. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 15 July 2025 The aloes and agaves all seem to be living their best lives. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Sitting off the Horn of Africa, the Yemeni island of Socotra was largely left to its own devices for centuries, its few guests arriving to trade for aromatic frankincense, the healing plant aloe and the crimson sap of the dragon’s blood tree, used for dyes. Shane Farrell, NBC news, 28 June 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 25 Jul. 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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