horse chestnut

noun

1

: a large tree (Aesculus hippocastanum of the family Sapindaceae, the soapberry family) of southeastern Europe that has palmate leaves and erect conical clusters of showy flowers and is widely cultivated as an ornamental and shade tree and naturalized as an escape

also : buckeye

2

: the large glossy brown seed of a horse chestnut

Examples of horse chestnut in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wheat protein tightens skin, horse chestnut strengthens skin and minimizes dark circles, and a biological sugar complex improves skin function. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

The name conker refers to the seed of a horse chestnut tree, which is threaded in the middle. —Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 16 Oct. 2024

Several of the Garden’s horse chestnuts show signs of this same disease. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2024

With ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and horse chestnut in each set, these patches are guaranteed to become a mainstay in her carry-on — and even her at-home beauty routine. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

horse chestnut

noun

1

: a large European tree with leaves divided into fingerlike parts and large flower clusters that is widely grown as an ornamental and shade tree

2

: the large glossy brown seed of a horse chestnut