# Melissa

/məˈɫɪsə/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. a female name

noun · CEFR A1

a common name for a girl or woman.

For teachers: a female given name derived from the Greek word for 'honeybee'.

- Melissa is starting her new job at the hospital on Monday morning.
- The name Melissa saw a significant surge in popularity throughout the late twentieth century across many English-speaking countries.

### 2. lemon balm plant

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a plant with leaves that smell like lemon, often used in tea or medicine.

For teachers: any plant of the genus Melissa, particularly Melissa officinalis, known for its lemon-scented foliage and medicinal properties.

- She grew some melissa in her garden to make fresh herbal tea.
- The essential oil extracted from melissa is highly valued in aromatherapy for its calming effects and bright citrus notes.

### 3. Greek mythology

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a character in old Greek stories who was a nymph.

For teachers: a nymph in Greek mythology who discovered and taught the use of honey.

- In the old stories, Melissa helped care for the god Zeus when he was a baby.
- Classical scholars often identify Melissa as the nymph who transitioned humanity from a primitive state to a more civilised one through the gift of honey.

## Examples

- I grow melissa in my garden to make fresh herbal tea.
- The herbalist recommended a tincture of melissa to help the patient manage mild anxiety and sleep issues.
- Commonly known as lemon balm, melissa has been prized since antiquity for its volatile oils, which are frequently extracted for use in aromatherapy and traditional digestive remedies.

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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.