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

This growing network of trails goes through rhododendron forests and past monasteries and villages, giving travelers a closer look at places only accessible on foot. —Mary Holland, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025

The UConn Home & Garden Education Center has been seeing an increase in the number of calls regarding injury or damage to rhododendrons. —Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 12 Apr. 2025

Other notable sights include a 200-year-old pioneer cabin, waterfalls, and vibrant rhododendrons that burst into bloom and line popular trails every June. —Casey Barber, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025

The alpine plant is a member of the rhododendron family and produces similar pinkish-reddish-purplish flowers. —Ashlea Halpern, AFAR Media, 6 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for rhododendron

• endrin

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"