1. Annual or perennial of tropical Asia having spikes of small white flowers and aromatic leaves; one of the most important culinary herbs; used in salads, casseroles, sauces and some liqueurs
   "Sweet basil is essential for making authentic pesto";
   - common basil, Ocimum basilicum
    
2. Leaves of the common basil; used fresh or dried
   "The pesto recipe called for a cup of sweet basil";
   - basil

Derived forms: sweet basils

Type of: basil, herb

Encyclopedia: Sweet basil