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Definition of sage

sage

/seɪdʒ/
sage

Adverb:sagely
•
Plural:sages
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sage Lexical Profile

sage Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The fresh or dried aromatic leaves of the Salvia officinalis plant, widely used in cooking as a savory seasoning for poultry, stuffing, sausages, and sauces.

Example

"The chef browned the butter with fresh sage to spoon over the roasted butternut squash."


2

An aromatic perennial evergreen subshrub (Salvia officinalis) of the mint family Lamiaceae, native to the Mediterranean region and widely cultivated for its grayish-green, pebbled leaves.

Example

"She planted rows of rosemary, thyme, and sage in her sunny herb garden."


3

A profoundly wise person, especially an elder or philosopher venerated for their judgment, experience, and spiritual insight.

Example

"Students traveled from across the province to consult the ancient sage."


4

Any of various ornamental flowering plants of the genus Salvia in the family Lamiaceae, cultivated in gardens for their showy spikes of two-lipped tubular blossoms in shades of violet, blue, scarlet, or white.

Example

"The tall spikes of Russian sage and Mexican bush sage added vibrant purple blooms to the autumn border."

Photo by Dinesh Valke from Thane, India / CC BY-SA 2.0

5

A soft, muted grayish-green color resembling the foliage of the culinary herb.

Example

"The living room walls were decorated in warm neutrals and pale sage."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Having, showing, or indicating profound wisdom, sound judgment, and foresight.

Example

"The retiring professor offered some sage advice to the incoming graduate students."


2

Having a muted, grayish-green color resembling the dried leaves of the culinary herb.

Example

"They painted the kitchen cabinets a soothing shade of sage."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for sage

• Rhymes for sage

Word Origin & Etymology

The word 'sage' is a homonym derived from two distinct Latin roots via Old French: the sense meaning 'wise' comes from Vulgar Latin 'sapius' (from Latin 'sapere', meaning 'to taste' or 'to have discernment'), while the botanical sense comes from Latin 'salvia' (derived from 'salvus', meaning 'safe' or 'healthy'), in reference to the herb's traditional medicinal properties.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sage. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 7, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sage
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