purpleheart

1 of 2

noun (1)

pur·​ple·​heart ˈpər-pəl-ˌhärt 

: a strong durable purplish wood that is obtained from various leguminous trees (genus Peltogyne) of Central and South America

also : a tree producing such wood

Purple Heart

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a U.S. military decoration awarded to any member of the armed forces wounded or killed in action

Examples of purpleheart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Some of my favorite get-loud strikers include purpleheart, hickory, and birch. —Jace Bauserman, Outdoor Life, 4 Mar. 2020

Neil Sperry Mixed perennials were chosen for seasons of color (purpleheart, yarrow, cannas and others). —Neil Sperry, star-telegram, 1 May 2017

Noun

As an artillery operations specialist in an all-Black battalion during the Korean War, Rangel earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for leading a group of soldiers out of a deadly Chinese army encirclement during the Battle of Konu-ri. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025

After being injured during the pivotal battle at Kunu-ri, Rangel was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star with Valor and three battle stars. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 26 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1738, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1932, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Purple Heart

noun

: a U.S. military decoration awarded to any member of the armed forces wounded or killed in action