deciduous

adjective

de·​cid·​u·​ous di-ˈsi-jə-wəs 

-jü-əs

1

biology : falling off or shed seasonally or at a certain stage of development in the life cycle

deciduous leaves

deciduous scales

2

biology

a

: having deciduous parts

maples, birches, and other deciduous trees

deciduous dentition

b

: having the dominant plants deciduous

a deciduous forest

3

: ephemeral

There is much that is deciduous in books …

—J. R. Lowell

deciduousness noun

Synonyms of deciduous

• temporary
• flash
• brief
• transient
• passing
• ephemeral
• transitory

Examples of deciduous in a Sentence

the bare branches of a deciduous tree in winter

he chose not to fret about the deciduous discomforts of his existence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bush is deciduous but shows off gold, orange, and red fall color. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 6 Sep. 2026

The great diversity of native and non-native cultivars available offer both evergreen and deciduous varieties, and sun- to shade-loving species. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2026

Here, ferns, mosses, and coniferous and deciduous species work seamlessly to paint Hoh Rain Forest all hues of green. — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026

Porcinis grow in deciduous and coniferous forests, and can withstand a variety of climates, as long as the air remains somewhat humid and temperatures don’t drop near freezing. — Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin deciduus, from decidere to fall off, from de- + cadere to fall — more at chance

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing deciduous

• deciduous tooth

Kids Definition

deciduous

adjective

de·​cid·​u·​ous di-ˈsij-ə-wəs 

1

: falling off (as at the end of a growing period or stage of development)

antlers are deciduous

deciduous leaves

2

: having deciduous parts or members with deciduous parts

deciduous trees

a deciduous forest

Medical Definition

deciduous

adjective

de·​cid·​u·​ous di-ˈsij-ə-wəs 

1

: falling off or shed at a certain stage in the life cycle

2

: having deciduous parts

a deciduous dentition