: any of a genus (Forsythia) of ornamental shrubs of the olive family with opposite leaves and yellow bell-shaped flowers appearing before the leaves in early spring
Illustration of forsythia
Examples of forsythia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebThe daffodils and forsythia are blooming everywhere right now, offering a riot of yellow to a landscape that has been a monochrome gray for too many months.—Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2024 This grabbing yellow forsythia halo will make a huge statement on your door.—Leonora Epstein, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024 Contrasting with the diversity of T. forsythia strains in ancient times, just one lineage of the bacteria has prevailed in recent centuries by attaining a genetic advantage over other strains.—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024 The list of old-wood bloomers includes lilacs, viburnums and forsythia.
Shrubs that bloom on new wood offer the gardener more pruning leeway.—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 15 Mar. 2024 In spring, that means an indoor-outdoor storefront filled with daffodils, fritillaria and branches of quince, forsythia and cherry to take home, as well as faux-bois concrete planters, slipware dishes and Easter-table-ready bud vases.—Nicole Demarco Dalya Benor Caitie Kelly Juan A. Ramírez Monica Mendal Janet Siroto, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 Featuring little pops of yellow, pink, red, and purple daisies and forsythias throughout, the rest of this lively wreath is brimming with springy green eucalyptus that’s slightly ombre to create the appearance of more layers.—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2024 The bloody conflicts cited by Francis contrasted with a riot of bright colors lent by orange-red tulips, yellow sprays of forsythia and daffodils, hyacinths and other colorful seasonal flowers that decorated St. Peter’s Square.—Frances D'emilio, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2023 Flowers were arriving from across the region: White forsythias, which smelled like nectar.—Emily Davies, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'forsythia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from William Forsyth †1804 British botanist
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