noun
valerian
vuh-LEER-reern
Valerian (noun) means a flowering plant whose root is used in herbal medicine, often as a natural sleep aid or calming remedy. Example: “She took a valerian supplement to help her sleep.”
noun
1
A flowering plant whose root is used in herbal medicine, often as a natural sleep aid or calming remedy.
"She took a valerian supplement to help her sleep."
"Valerian tea has a strong, earthy smell that not everyone likes."
How to use valerian
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA plant whose root is used as a natural remedy for anxiety and sleep problems.
Common pairings
valerian root
valerian tea
valerian supplement
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like valerian.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- valerians
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She took a _____ supplement to help her sleep.
Etymology
From Old French valeriane or Medieval Latin valeriana, likely linked to Latin valere ("to be strong") or the Roman family name Valerius.
Synonyms
View more →
allheal
cat thyme
Related words
Rhymes for valerian
See all rhymes for valerian →Frequently asked questions
What does “valerian” mean?
The word “valerian” means a flowering plant whose root is used in herbal medicine, often as a natural sleep aid or calming remedy. In plain terms, a plant whose root is used as a natural remedy for anxiety and sleep problems.
How do you pronounce “valerian”?
“Valerian” is pronounced vuh-LEER-reern (/vəˈlɪəɹɪən/ in IPA).
How do you use “valerian” in a sentence?
Here is “valerian” used in a sentence: “She took a valerian supplement to help her sleep.”
What is another word for “valerian”?
Words with a similar meaning to “valerian” include allheal and cat thyme.
What part of speech is “valerian”?
“Valerian” is a noun.
Where does the word “valerian” come from?
The word “valerian” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French valeriane or Medieval Latin valeriana, likely linked to Latin valere ("to be strong") or the Roman family name Valerius.
