What does "yarrow" mean?
Any of several pungent Eurasian and North American herbs, of the genus Achillea, used in traditional herbal medicine.
Yarrow
/ˈjæɹəʊ/ name, noun
name, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Any of several pungent Eurasian and North American herbs, of the genus Achillea, used in traditional herbal medicine.
- Grammar: yarrow is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: milfoil, achillea, achillea millefolium, bloodwort.
- Usage evidence: The naked yarrow grows in only one place in the world: the "Stone Graves" nature reserve.
How to use "yarrow"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "yarrow" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "yarrow" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "yarrow" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "yarrow" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "milfoil" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Any of several pungent Eurasian and North American herbs, of the genus Achillea, used in traditional herbal medicine. uncountable, usually
"Yarrow is one of the aboriginal English plants, and from time immemorial it has been used in incantations and by witches. Country folk still regard it as one of our most valuable herbs, especially for rheumatism."
- 2 A green woodpecker, of species Picus viridis. UK
- 3 ubiquitous strong-scented mat-forming Eurasian herb of wasteland, hedgerow or pasture having narrow serrate leaves and small usually white florets; widely naturalized in North America wordnet
- 4 Common yarrow, Achillea millefolium, the type species of the genus. uncountable, usually
"The Yarrow, where-with-all he stops the wound-made gore:"
Proper Noun
- 1 A river in Lancashire, England, which flows into the River Douglas.
- 2 A river, named Yarrow Water, in Scottish Borders council area, Scotland.
- 3 A hamlet and parish in the Yarrow Valley, Scottish Borders council area (OS grid ref NT3527).
- 4 A hamlet in Sedgemoor district, Somerset, England.
- 5 A small community in British Columbia, Canada.
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 An unincorporated community in Missouri, United States.
- 7 A locality in the Queanbeyan-Palerang council area, south eastern New South Wales, Australia.
- 8 A surname.
"In comments to Hyperallergic, ancient historian and classical numismatist Liv Yarrow noted the absence of SPQR coins during the period of the Republic and its later use as a means of justifying autocracy while harkening back to an earlier age:"
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The naked yarrow grows in only one place in the world: the "Stone Graves" nature reserve."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "yarrow"?
Common synonyms include: milfoil, achillea, achillea millefolium, bloodwort, european green woodpecker, flower.
How do you use "yarrow" in a sentence?
The naked yarrow grows in only one place in the world: the "Stone Graves" nature reserve.
How do you pronounce "yarrow"?
Pronounced /ˈjæɹəʊ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English ȝarowe, yarowe, yarwe, from Old English ġearwe, from Proto-West Germanic *garwā (“yarrow, yarrow-like herbs”), perhaps derived from *garu (“prepared, ready (of food)”), as the plant was used medicinally for digestion. Cognate with Dutch gerw (“yarrow”) and German (Schaf-)garbe.
Etymology 2
Origin unknown. Perhaps imitative of the bird's cry; compare yaffle, hewhole.
Etymology 3
* The river is believed to be of Celtic/Brythonic origin and related to Welsh garw (“rough”). * English and Scottish surname derived from the river, though likely influenced by the noun yarrow.