# absinthe

/ˈæbsɪnθ/ (US) · /ˈæbsɪnθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/absinthe
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 2. the plant

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the bitter herb used to make the drink, also called wormwood.

For teachers: the plant Artemisia absinthium, or the bitter essence extracted from it. Often used in a botanical or historical context.

- The garden contained several medicinal herbs, including absinthe and mint.
- The primary bitter component of the spirit is derived from the leaves and flowers of the absinthe plant, which contains the compound thujone.

### 3. a colour

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a light, yellowish-green colour.

For teachers: a moderate to pale yellowish-green hue resembling the appearance of the liquor.

- She chose an absinthe green silk for the curtains in the drawing room.
- The walls were painted a pale shade of absinthe, giving the room a cool, slightly antique atmosphere.

## Examples

- He poured a small amount of absinthe into his glass.
- The bartender explained that traditional absinthe requires a specific ritual involving a sugar cube and a slotted spoon.
- While once banned in many countries due to its high alcohol content and the presence of thujone, absinthe has seen a modern resurgence as a premium spirit among connoisseurs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.