rhododendron

noun

rho·​do·​den·​dron ˌrō-də-ˈden-drən How to pronounce rhododendron (audio)
: any of a genus (Rhododendron) of widely cultivated shrubs and trees of the heath family with alternate leaves and showy flowers
especially : one with leathery evergreen leaves as distinguished from a deciduous azalea

Illustration of rhododendron

Illustration of rhododendron

Examples of rhododendron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At the Bald Hills of Redwood National Park, an eruption of lupine and rhododendron typically runs from mid-May through June and blankets the area in purple undulations. Krista Simmons and J.d. Simkins, Sunset Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024 There is a wreath of rhododendron, which is the state flower, featured. Olivia Munson, The Courier-Journal, 5 Jan. 2024 The rhododendron is seen as a culturally significant flower within Bhutan, with the nation having currently identified and recorded 46 species of rhododendron. Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 This local nonprofit has welcomed floral-loving guests since the ‘60s, and visitors can expect to see collections of rhododendrons, heathers, camellia, begonias, magnolias, fuchsias, and even wild mushrooms, depending on the season. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2024 In recent decades, the cultivation of camellias, as well as other ornamental plants like azaleas and rhododendrons, has become a mainstay of the local economy, while lush gardens and parks in and around Verbania have attracted legions of those who appreciate nature, particularly plants. Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2024 Highway 143, Tennessee Set out along Tennessee's 12.5-mile Highway 143 in the Roan Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains to witness uninterrupted slopes cloaked in heather — and purple rhododendron blossoms come early summer. Sarah Rose, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2023 There are formal beds with shrubs, a rose garden, an herb garden, an orchard, and ample lawn space, while private walking trails are lined with rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and leafy trees. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2023 One designer quit after an argument over whether rhododendrons had been brought from India by Napoleon’s time. Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rhododendron.' 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

borrowed from New Latin (linnaeus), going back to Latin, "oleander, a plant of the Black Sea region described by Pliny whose honey is toxic (probably Rhododendron ponticum)," borrowed from Greek rhodódendron, from rhodo- rhodo- + déndron "tree" — more at dendro-

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rhododendron was in 1657

Dictionary Entries Near rhododendron

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

rhododendron

noun
rho·​do·​den·​dron ˌrōd-ə-ˈden-drən How to pronounce rhododendron (audio)
: any of a genus of trees and shrubs of the heath family that often have leathery evergreen leaves and showy clusters of yellow, white, pink, red, or purple flowers
Etymology

from scientific Latin rhododendron "rhododendron," derived from Greek rhodon "rose" and Greek dendron "tree"

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