greenness

noun

green·​ness ˈgrēnnə̇s 

plural -es

: the quality or state of being green: such as

a

: verdancy

carried us past banks of soft greenness shaded by tall trees

—Thomas Horgan

b

: green color

greenness of the sea

greenness of shutters against the white clapboards of the house

c(1)

: youth and immaturity

the greenness of his years secured him from any suspicion

—Tobias Smollett

(2)

: lack of training or knowledge : inexperience

soldiers without battle experience had shown greenness

—A. J. Liebling

(3)

: gullibility, naïveté

betraying his greenness to the Yankees by his questions

—H. D. Thoreau

d

: vitality, vigor

the affection of a child gives a greenness to old age

—Peter Parley

Word History

Etymology

Middle English grennes, grennesse, from Old English grēnnes, from grēne green + -nes -ness

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for greenness

• keenness
• leanness
• meanness
• betweenness