sourwood

noun

sour·​wood ˈsau̇(-ə)r-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce sourwood (audio)
: a small U.S. tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) of the heath family with white flowers and sour-tasting leaves

Examples of sourwood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For example, in southern regions, keep an eye out for sourwood and sweetgum trees, which turn vivid shades of red, yellow, and purple. Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2022 At 25 to 30 feet tall, sourwood fits nicely into a small garden. oregonlive, 30 Aug. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sourwood.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sourwood was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near sourwood

Cite this Entry

“Sourwood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sourwood. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on sourwood

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!