henna
1 of 2noun
hen·na ˈhe-nə 
1
: a reddish-brown dye that is used especially on hair and in temporary tattoos and is obtained from the leaves of an Old World tropical shrub or small tree
2
: the Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family that yields henna dye and has small opposite leaves and clusters of fragrant usually white flowers
henna
2 of 2verb
hennaed; hennaing; hennas
transitive verb
: to dye with henna
a woman with hennaed hair
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 9 Sep. 2022 At a May show at the Sultan Room, an Eritrean henna artist drew intricate patterns on a man’s palm while partygoers danced to R&B and Lebanese pop. New York Times, 16 July 2022 The lounge is hosting its First Friday event from 8 to 11 p.m. with live music and painting, henna art and tarot readings. Sofia Krusmark, The Arizona Republic, 6 Aug. 2022 The bride, whose hands and feet were decorated with henna, wore a maroon and gold lehenga, and the groom a cream and white sherwani. New York Times, 17 June 2022 Yoga, shamanic healing, acupuncture, massage, henna, facials, and chakra portraits are some of the services and treatments offered in the Wellness Center. Outside Online, 22 June 2014 Kids can partake in face panting, henna, and plenty more as the evening ticks along. Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2022 And if Nishat’s family weren’t enough to keep them apart, there’s also the fact that the two women are competing to see who’s the better henna artist for a school project. Whitney Perry, Glamour, 7 June 2022 Applying henna is a special Eid ritual for Bengali Australian Sophia Chowdhury, providing a beautiful bonding opportunity for her and her female relatives, while accentuating their entire Eid looks that consist of traditional South Asian attire. Alicia Vrajlal, refinery29.com, 1 May 2022 See More
Noun
Artists will create henna temporary tattoos for visitors, which is an Egyptian tradition. Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 9 Sep. 2022 At a May show at the Sultan Room, an Eritrean henna artist drew intricate patterns on a man’s palm while partygoers danced to R&B and Lebanese pop. New York Times, 16 July 2022 The lounge is hosting its First Friday event from 8 to 11 p.m. with live music and painting, henna art and tarot readings. Sofia Krusmark, The Arizona Republic, 6 Aug. 2022 The bride, whose hands and feet were decorated with henna, wore a maroon and gold lehenga, and the groom a cream and white sherwani. New York Times, 17 June 2022 Yoga, shamanic healing, acupuncture, massage, henna, facials, and chakra portraits are some of the services and treatments offered in the Wellness Center. Outside Online, 22 June 2014 Kids can partake in face panting, henna, and plenty more as the evening ticks along. Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2022 And if Nishat’s family weren’t enough to keep them apart, there’s also the fact that the two women are competing to see who’s the better henna artist for a school project. Whitney Perry, Glamour, 7 June 2022 Applying henna is a special Eid ritual for Bengali Australian Sophia Chowdhury, providing a beautiful bonding opportunity for her and her female relatives, while accentuating their entire Eid looks that consist of traditional South Asian attire. Alicia Vrajlal, refinery29.com, 1 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Noun
Arabic ḥinnā'
First Known Use
Noun
1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
1851, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
henna
noun
hen·na ˈhen-ə
1
: an Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family (Lythraceae) with clusters of fragrant white flowers
2
: a reddish brown dye obtained from the leaves of the henna plant and used especially on hair and in temporary tattoos