henna

noun
hen·​na | \ ˈhe-nə How to pronounce henna (audio) \

Definition of henna

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a reddish-brown dye that is used especially on hair and in temporary tattoos and is obtained from the leaves of an Old World tropical shrub or small tree
2 : the Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family that yields henna dye and has small opposite leaves and clusters of fragrant usually white flowers

henna

verb
hennaed; hennaing; hennas

Definition of henna (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to dye with henna a woman with hennaed hair

Examples of henna in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Party Poolooza, will special guests Ja Rule and Brooke Evers, two stages of music, food trucks, a full-service bar with custom cocktails, henna tattoos, beer pong, swings, a braid bar, and more. Camila Vallejo, courant.com, "Pool party meets music fest at Foxwoods’ first Party Poolooza," 24 July 2019 The festival will feature multiple vendors, face painting, henna artists, Bollywood dancing, crafts, a kite-making workshop, and more. Corey Dockser, BostonGlobe.com, "Armenian dances, kite flying, and the moon landing," 17 July 2019 Brown says the only one hundred percent natural hair color is vegetable dye and certain brands of henna. Audrey Noble, Harper's BAZAAR, "Organic Hair Dye Is a Myth—But You Can Still Find Clean Hair Color," 19 June 2019 Charlie and Teddy eagerly stuck out tiny little arms for henna tattoos. Denise Coffey, courant.com, "Theme Park Fun At First Friday," 15 July 2019 Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's whirlwind trip to Morocco included so many highlights, from the duchess receiving a henna tattoo to celebrate her pregnancy, to several unforgettable outfit changes. Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Performed Her First Curtsy to a Foreign Dignitary in Morocco & We Almost Missed It," 26 Feb. 2019 Things to do: Check out the Winter Mela, an Indian cultural event with henna, yoga and dance, hosted by the Shiva Vishnu Temple in February. at Ocean Air Park. Martina Schimitschek, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Carmel Valley: Large homes, parks and award-winning schools," 30 June 2019 Make a list of wedding traditions form around the world: donning henna in India, releasing doves like the Dutch, or wearing black in Spain, to name a few, and quiz and enlighten your guests with traditional wedding knowledge. Heather Hall, Harper's BAZAAR, "10 Bridal Shower Game Ideas You Won't Hate Playing," 5 June 2019 The identical 'grams feature a series of photos from their Mehendi ceremony, a pre-wedding event in which the bride has henna applied in elaborate designs. Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Are Married and They're Sharing Pictures from Their Wedding Weekend," 1 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'henna.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of henna

Noun

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1919, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for henna

Noun

Arabic ḥinnā'

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More Definitions for henna

henna

noun

English Language Learners Definition of henna

: a reddish-brown dye used especially for coloring hair or skin

henna

noun
hen·​na | \ ˈhen-ə How to pronounce henna (audio) \

Medical Definition of henna

1 : an Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family (Lythraceae) with clusters of fragrant white flowers
2 : a reddish brown dye obtained from the leaves of the henna plant and used especially on hair and in temporary tattoos