hawthorn

noun

haw·​thorn ˈhȯ-ˌthȯrn 

: any of a genus (Crataegus) of spring-flowering spiny shrubs or small trees of the rose family with glossy and often lobed leaves, white or pink fragrant flowers, and small red fruits

Illustration of hawthorn

• 1 leaves and flowers
• 2 fruits

Did you know?

Hawthorn Has Old English Roots

A hawthorn is a thorny shrub or tree which can be planted into a hedge, and this fact provides a hint about the origins of the plant's name. The word hawthorn traces back to the Old English word hagathorn, a combination of "haga" ("hedge") and "thorn" (same meaning as the modern "thorn" or "thornbush"). "Haga" was also used in Old English for the hawthorn itself, but by the 12th century the "thorn" had been added to its name.

Examples of hawthorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Because of its calming and relaxing power, a relaxing hawthorn herbal tea can also be consumed throughout the day as needed, not just in the evening to aid sleep. —Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024

Older studies suggest taking a daily dose of 160-900 mg of hawthorn extract, but there is insufficient recent research on hawthorn to confirm the correct dosage.14 Consult your healthcare provider before adding hawthorn to your diet. —Joy Emeh, Health, 16 Oct. 2024

Goetz also calls out juniper and boxwood foliage for notoriously smelling like cat urine, hawthorn tree flowers for smelling like carrion, and the flashy flowers of crown fritillaria (Fritillaria imperialis) bulbs for mimicking a skunk. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024

English Meaning: Person who lives near a hawthorn bush or hedge Alternative Spellings & Variations: Hawthorn Famous Namesakes: Author Nathaniel Hawthorne Peak Popularity: 2016 Fun Fact: Nathanial Hawthorne was a direct descendant of John Hathorne, a judge in the Salem witch trials. —Anna Moeslein, Parents, 22 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English haȝþorne, hawethorn, going back to Old English haguþorn, hægþorn, going back to Germanic *hagaþurna- (whence also Old High German hagandorn "hawthorn," Old Icelandic hagþorn), from *haga- "fenced enclosure, hedge" + *þurna- thorn — more at haw entry 1

Note: Hawthorn, "thorn of the hedge," is a metonymic name for what was apparently a characteristic plant of hedges in the early Germanic world.

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

hawthorn

noun

haw·​thorn ˈhȯ-ˌthȯ(ə)rn 

: any of a genus of thorny shrubs or small trees that are related to the roses and have glossy leaves, white or pink fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring, and small red fruits