a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests
"The gardener carefully weeded out the invasive thistle, noting that while it is technically an herbaceous plant, its presence as a pest threatened all the valuable flowering herbs in his border."
aromatic potherb used in cookery for its savory qualities
"The chef chopped fresh thyme and rosemary to add a savory depth to the simmering stew."
Any green, leafy plant, or parts thereof, used to flavour or season food.
"She added a sprig of fresh basil to the soup to enhance its flavor."
In plain English: An herb is any plant part, usually leaves or flowers, that people use to add flavor and scent to food instead of meat or vegetables.
"I added fresh basil and parsley to my soup for extra flavor."
Usage: Use this word specifically for plants added in small quantities to enhance the taste of dishes rather than as main ingredients like vegetables. It refers only to fresh leaves and stems; dried versions are typically called spices unless they retain a leafy character.
A diminutive of the male given name Herbert
"Herb was surprised to find that his old friend, Herb, had been promoted to manager."
The word herb comes from Old French erbe via Middle English, ultimately tracing back to the Latin herba. Although an 'h' was added to its spelling in the 15th century based on the original Latin form, this letter remained silent for centuries and is still often dropped by modern speakers.