BASIL
What does "BASIL" mean?
An aromatic herb of the mint family, used fresh in cooking, especially Italian dishes.
Meanings
- A fragrant culinary herb with green leaves, central to pesto, tomato dishes, and many cuisines. She tore fresh basil over the bubbling tomato sauce.
Did you know?
- Basil literally means 'royal': its name comes from the Greek 'basilikon' (kingly), the same root that gives us 'basilica' - so the herb in your pesto is named for kings.
Word origin
From Greek 'basilikon' meaning 'royal' (the 'royal herb'), from 'basileus' (king), via Latin 'basilicum' and Old French 'basile'; the same 'basileus' root gives us 'basilica' and the name Basil.
Remember it
BASIL shares its root with 'basilica' - both come from the Greek for 'king'. Think of the herb as edible royalty.
A little poem
Crushed between two thumbs-
the king of herbs gives away
its whole green secret.
haiku
Wordplay
- I told my basil plant it was named after a king. It got a little too big for its pot after that.
What it teaches
The humblest leaf on the windowsill carries a king's name - worth is older and stranger than the price tag.
Quick facts
What does BASIL mean?
An aromatic herb of the mint family, used fresh in cooking, especially Italian dishes.
Is BASIL a valid word?
Yes — BASIL is one of the answer words in Wordul, the daily word game.
How many letters is BASIL?
BASIL has 5 letters and 2 syllables.
Where does BASIL come from?
From Greek 'basilikon' meaning 'royal' (the 'royal herb'), from 'basileus' (king), via Latin 'basilicum' and Old French 'basile'; the same 'basileus' root gives us 'basilica' and the name Basil.
What can BASIL teach us?
The humblest leaf on the windowsill carries a king's name - worth is older and stranger than the price tag.
How players do
Be the first to solve it.