NYT Dictionary
HENBANE
/ˈhɛnbeɪn/NounHEN-banehen-bane · 2 syllablesAdvanced/Professional
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2026
Meaning
Any member of the species Hyoscyamus niger of poisonous plants, used sometimes as a drug that causes at least hallucinations, dilated pupils, restlessness, and flushed skin.
Etymology
Origin: Old English
From Middle English henbane, hennebane ( > French hanebane), equivalent to hen + bane. Cognate with Danish hønsebane, Swedish hönsbane. Compare also Old English hennebelle (“henbane”, literally “hen-bell”).
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: