aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈa-(ˌ)lō 

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

: aloe vera

Examples of aloe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each cloth is saturated in the brand’s Best of Beauty Award-winning The Rose Soak, which is made with hydrating glycerin and aloe, plus moisturizing rosehip fruit oil for strong, healthy nails. —Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Apr. 2026

The Home Consultant turned a small Los Angeles backyard into a private and tranquil place to unwind thanks to natural wood fencing, minimal planting of aloe and olive trees, and a simple hammock. —Cori Sears, The Spruce, 29 Apr. 2026

Convenience aside, the formula blends tapioca starch and oat-kernel flour for double-duty scalp soothing and oil absorption, with aloe-leaf juice for hair hydration. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2026

The spa The spa, which is currently undergoing a refresh, is fabulous, with tropical-zen indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and an emphasis on incorporating local ingredients like aloe, passion fruit, and coffee into different services. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing aloe

• aloe vera

Rhymes for aloe

• beau
• beaux
• blow
• boe
• bro
• coe
• crow
• doe
• doh
• dough
• eau
• eaux

Kids Definition

aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈal-ō 

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

: aloe vera

Medical Definition

aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈal-(ˌ)ō 

1

capitalized : a large genus (family Asphodelaceae) of succulent chiefly southern African plants 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

: aloe vera sense 2