noun
soapwort
SOHP-wort
Soapwort (noun) means Soapwort is any perennial herb of the genus Saponaria. Example: “Soapwort was traditionally rubbed with water to produce a gentle lather for washing wool.”
noun
1
Soapwort is any perennial herb of the genus Saponaria.
"Soapwort was traditionally rubbed with water to produce a gentle lather for washing wool."
"The garden border was edged with pink-flowered soapwort."
"Some conservators still use soapwort to clean delicate old textiles."
How to use soapwort
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSoapwort is the garden herb whose leaves make a natural, soapy lather in water.
When to use it
It is a plain, everyday common name used in gardening and herbal contexts.
Memory tip
The wort ending marks it as a plant name, just as in words like mugwort and St John's wort.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
soapweed
Common pairings
genus Saponaria
produce a lather
perennial herb
clean delicate textiles
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ was traditionally rubbed with water to produce a gentle lather for washing wool.
Etymology
Soapwort combines soap and wort, referring to the soapy substance the leaves release when agitated in water.
Frequently asked questions
What is soapwort used for?
Its leaves produce a soapy lather when agitated in water, so it has traditionally been used as a mild cleaning agent.
Why is it called soapwort?
The name comes from the soapy matter its leaves form when rubbed in water, combined with wort, an old word for plant.
What plant family does soapwort belong to?
It belongs to the genus Saponaria.
What is the meaning of soapwort?
"soapwort" (noun) means soapwort is any perennial herb of the genus Saponaria.
