basil Meaning & Definition
What Does Basil Mean?
Basil is a noun that means A plant (Ocimum basilicum). It can also mean The leaves of this plant used as a herb. As a verb, it means To grind the edge of a tool to an acute angle.
Quick Facts About Basil
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈbæz.əl// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | sweet basil, bevel and sharpen |
| Plural | basils |
| Verb forms | basils, and past participle |
Basil Definition (Noun)
- A plant (Ocimum basilicum).
- The leaves of this plant used as a herb.
- Any other species in the genus Ocimum.
Noun
- The angle to which a joiner's tool is ground away.
Basil as a Verb
- To grind the edge of a tool to an acute angle.
Noun
- The skin of a sheep tanned with bark.
Noun
- A type of cannon.
- A fetter fastened round the ankle of a prisoner.
Synonyms of Basil
Basil synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Basil
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Basil in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
basil (usually uncountable, plural basils)
basil (plural basils)
basil (third-person singular simple present basils, present participle (US) basiling or (UK) basilling, simple past and past participle (US) basiled or (UK) basilled)
Words That Rhyme With Basil
Origin of Basil
Origin 1: Inherited from Middle English basile, from Middle French basile, from Old French basile, from Medieval Latin basilicum, from Ancient Greek βασιλικόν (basilikón, “royal”), from βασιλεύς (basileús, “king”). Doublet of basilic, basilicon, and basilicum; further related to basileus, basilean, and basileiolatry.
Origin 2: Variant of bezel.
Origin 3: Corrupted from English basan, from French basane, from Late Latin basanium, from Arabic بِطانَة (biṭāna, “lining”).
Origin 4: From Old French basile (“basilisk”).
How Do You Say Basil?
Basil is pronounced //ˈbæz.əl// and has 1 syllable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basil
Is basil a noun or a verb?
Basil is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for basil?
Words with a similar meaning to basil include sweet basil, bevel and sharpen. See the full list of basil synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of basil?
The plural of basil is basils.
What is the past tense of basil?
The past tense of basil is and past participle.