oleander

noun

ole·​an·​der ˈō-lē-ˌan-dər 

ˌō-lē-ˈan-

: a poisonous evergreen shrub (Nerium oleander) of the dogbane family with clusters of fragrant white to red flowers

Examples of oleander in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Symptoms of yellow oleander poisoning can last between 1-3 days and may result in a hospital stay. —Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025

The samples indicated the presence of yellow oleander, a poisonous plant, the FDA said. —Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 17 Dec. 2024

Another recall was called on Friday, December 13, over supplements found to contain yellow oleander, a poisonous plant that is the subject of an FDA safety alert involving more than 20 products. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Another safety alert was recently updated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after two more supplement products were found to contain a toxic plant called yellow oleander. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, alteration of arodandrum, lorandrum, perhaps alteration of Latin rhododendron — more at rhododendron

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for oleander

• coriander
• salamander
• brander
• candor
• dander
• gander
• grander
• hander
• laender
• lander
• pander
• sander

Kids Definition

oleander

noun

ole·​an·​der ˈō-lē-ˌan-dər 

: a poisonous evergreen shrub with showy fragrant usually white, pink, or purple flowers

Medical Definition

oleander

noun

ole·​an·​der ˈō-lē-ˌan-dər, ˌō-lē-ˈ 

: a poisonous evergreen shrub (Nerium oleander) of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) with fragrant white to red flowers that contains oleandrin and was formerly used in medicine