Recent research in nanoscience has increasingly focused on the green synthesis of plant-derived materials at the nanoscale. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) represent one of the most popular areas of study. Because of their wide band gap and high exciton binding energy, ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are considered highly suitable for a range of applications, including antibacterial and anticancer therapies. They also demonstrate notable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and photocatalytic activities, especially under harsh or toxic environmental conditions. Conventional methods for producing ZnO-NPs, including ball milling, hydrothermal techniques, sol-gel processes, chemical vapour deposition, precipitation and co-precipitation, frequently rely on toxic chemicals and harsh conditions. In contrast, green synthesis approaches employ plant extracts and other eco-friendly materials, making them an attractive, sustainable alternative to hazardous physicochemical methods. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the various approaches to the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles reported over the past five years. Initially, the review offers a concise overview of the conventional methods commonly employed for synthesizing ZnO-NPs. The review will subsequently provide a detailed examination of the various plant-based extracts employed in the green synthesis of ZnO-NPs.