rhododendron

noun

rho·​do·​den·​dron ˌrō-də-ˈden-drən 

: 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

Examples of rhododendron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Use a well-draining, acidic potting mix such as a commercial mix labelled for rhododendrons and azaleas or camellias. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024

In spring and summer, revel in the bright pink rhododendrons that line the park’s Rhododendron Trail. 09 of 20 Natural Bridge State Park In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Natural Bridge is the namesake and centerpiece of Natural Bridge State Park. —Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024

But there are remote sections of the park, and the forest is dense, with a thick understory of rhododendron obscuring terrain beyond the trail. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 18 Oct. 2024

The 18 Best Conifer Trees for Year-Round Beautiful Landscaping Rhododendrons and Azaleas Shade-loving rhododendrons and azaleas come in a range of sizes and flower colors. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing rhododendron

• elepidote rhododendron
• lepidote rhododendron
• rosebay rhododendron

Kids Definition

rhododendron

noun

rho·​do·​den·​dron ˌrōd-ə-ˈden-drən 

: 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"