dieback

noun

die·​back ˈdī-ˌbak How to pronounce dieback (audio)
: a condition in woody plants in which peripheral parts are killed (as by parasites)

Examples of dieback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In the coldest regions, however, plants can succumb to winter dieback during unusually harsh winters. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026 Key harvest signals include firm skin, flowering for early harvests, and foliage dieback for full maturity. David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 9 Feb. 2026 If fall and winter precipitation are low, tree health can suffer, leading to poor growth, dieback, and increased susceptibility to pests and disease, says Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at the University of Maine Extension. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026 This damages the trunk and leaves an ugly, elongated canker that invites insects and stresses the tree, leading to stunted growth, sparse foliage, and stem dieback. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dieback

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dieback was circa 1886

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Cite this Entry

“Dieback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dieback. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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