noun
Very common
al
al
Al (noun) means the Indian mulberry tree (Morinda citrifolia), or the dye traditionally made from its roots. Example: “Local weavers once used al root to dye cotton a deep red.”
noun
1
The Indian mulberry tree (Morinda citrifolia), or the dye traditionally made from its roots.
"Local weavers once used al root to dye cotton a deep red."
"The village elders showed us an old al tree growing behind the temple."
"Cloth dyed with al has a warm colour that lasts through many washes."
How to use al
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA niche botanical/dye term for the Indian mulberry plant — most people will only meet "Al" as a nickname (for Alan, Albert, Alfred, and similar names).
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Word forms
- Plural
- als
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Local weavers once used _____ root to dye cotton a deep red.
Etymology
Borrowed from Hindi आल (āl).
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “al” mean?
The word “al” means the Indian mulberry tree (Morinda citrifolia), or the dye traditionally made from its roots. In plain terms, a niche botanical/dye term for the Indian mulberry plant — most people will only meet "Al" as a nickname (for Alan, Albert, Alfred, and similar names).
How do you pronounce “al”?
“Al” is pronounced al (/æl/ in IPA).
How do you use “al” in a sentence?
Here is “al” used in a sentence: “Local weavers once used al root to dye cotton a deep red.”
What part of speech is “al”?
“Al” is a noun.
Is “al” a common word?
“Al” is a very common word in modern English.
What is 'al' used for?
Al refers to the Indian mulberry tree and, more usefully, to the red dye traditionally made from its roots. That dye has long been used to colour cloth, giving fabrics warm red and reddish-brown shades. The word names both the plant itself and the natural colouring drawn from it.
Is 'al' the same plant as noni?
Yes. The Indian mulberry, Morinda citrifolia, is the same species widely known today as noni. Its fruit is the noni now sold as a health drink, while its roots yield the traditional red dye called al. The names describe different uses of one plant, not two separate species.
What colour is 'al' dye?
Al dye produces warm red tones, ranging from bright red to deeper reddish-brown, depending on how the roots are prepared and what the cloth is made from. Because it comes from a plant root rather than a chemical, its shades are natural and often vary from batch to batch.
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