noun

yarrow

YAR-oh

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Yarrow (noun) means a strong-smelling herb of the genus Achillea, native to Eurasia and North America and used in traditional herbal medicine. Example: “Yarrow grows wild along the edge of the meadow.”

noun

A strong-smelling herb of the genus Achillea, native to Eurasia and North America and used in traditional herbal medicine.

"Yarrow grows wild along the edge of the meadow."

"She dried some yarrow to make herbal tea."

"The garden border was full of yarrow with flat white flower heads."

How to use yarrow

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA strong-smelling herb with clusters of small flowers, used in traditional herbal medicine.

When to use it

It is a general word for a plant, used in gardening, botany and herbal writing.

Memory tip

Yarrow is usually uncountable, so people say some yarrow rather than a yarrow.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

common yarrow wild yarrow dried yarrow yarrow tea yarrow flowers

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “yarrow” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ grows wild along the edge of the meadow.

Etymology

Yarrow comes from Middle English forms such as yarwe, which came from Old English ġearwe. That in turn goes back to a Proto-West Germanic word for the plant.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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milfoil

Rhymes for yarrow

arrow narrow marrow barrow harrow farrow garrow Darrow sparrow wheelbarrow

See all rhymes for yarrow →

Frequently asked questions

What is yarrow?

Yarrow is a pungent herb of the genus Achillea. It is found in Eurasia and North America and has been used in traditional herbal medicine.

What is the scientific name of common yarrow?

Common yarrow is Achillea millefolium, which is the type species of the genus Achillea.

What is another name for yarrow?

Milfoil is another name for yarrow. Common yarrow is also known as thousand-leaf.

What is the meaning of yarrow?

"yarrow" (noun) means a strong-smelling herb of the genus Achillea, native to Eurasia and North America and used in traditional herbal medicine.