linden

noun

lin·​den ˈlin-dən How to pronounce linden (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Tilia of the family Tiliaceae, the linden family) of deciduous trees of temperate regions that have cordate leaves and a winglike bract attached to the peduncle of the flower and fruit and that are often planted as ornamental and shade trees: such as
a
: a commonly cultivated European tree (T. europaea synonym T. vulgaris) much used for ornamental planting
b
: a tree (T. americana) chiefly of the central and eastern U.S.

called also basswood

2
: the light fine-grained white wood of a linden
especially : basswood sense 2

Illustration of linden

Illustration of linden
  • branch with bract and fruit

Examples of linden in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To hold it all together, a linden framework with sophisticated metal pivots for tightening was affixed to the back of each painting, to prevent warping. Christopher Knight, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2024 The beautiful gold tin includes 12 sachets of organic, non-caffeinated chamomile tea with hints of linden blossom, passionflower and jujube seed, that combine to make a stress-busting blend. Sarah Rose, wsj.com, 2 Nov. 2023 Mulberry, sour cherry, black walnut, aronia, linden, black cap raspberry each have their turn to be ripe, all gleaned from parking lots, a little public landscaping, sometimes through a chain-link fence. Hazlitt, 6 Sep. 2023 These iridescent, fingernail-sized bugs feast on roses and certain tree species like birch and linden. Brett Martin, Popular Mechanics, 21 July 2023 Adult beetles feed on about 300 different species of ornamental plants, but especially favor roses, grapevines, and crabapple, cherry and linden trees. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2023 Berlin has its lindens, California its giant redwoods—and Washington, D.C., its cherry trees. Dominique Browning, WSJ, 30 Mar. 2023 His first inspiration was linden blossoms. Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2023 Trees such as sycamores and lindens that grow large and sprout readily after pruning work best. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'linden.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, made of linden wood, from Old English, from lind linden tree; probably akin to Old English līthe gentle — more at lithe

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of linden was in 1577

Dictionary Entries Near linden

Cite this Entry

“Linden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linden. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

linden

noun
lin·​den ˈlin-dən How to pronounce linden (audio)
1
: any of a genus of trees with large heart-shaped leaves and drooping clusters of yellowish flowers that are often planted as ornamental or shade trees
2
: the light white wood of a linden

Geographical Definition

Linden

geographical name

Lin·​den ˈlin-dən How to pronounce Linden (audio)
city in northeastern New Jersey south-southwest of Elizabeth population 40,499

More from Merriam-Webster on linden

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!