herb Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Herb noun
Etymology
OE. herbe, erbe, OF. herbe, erbe, F. herbe, L. herba; perh. akin to Gr. forbh` food, pasture, fe`rbein to feed.
Definitions
  1. A plant whose stem does not become woody and permanent, but dies, at least down to the ground, after flowering. ✍ Annual herbs live but one season; biennial herbs flower the second season, and then die; perennial herbs produce new stems year after year.
  2. Grass; herbage.
    And flocks Grazing the tender herb. Milton.

Webster 1913