pur·ple·heart
ˈpər-pəl-ˌhärt 
: a strong durable purplish wood that is obtained from various leguminous trees (genus Peltogyne) of Central and South America
also
: a tree producing such wood
: a U.S. military decoration awarded to any member of the armed forces wounded or killed in action
Examples of purpleheart in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jace Bauserman, Outdoor Life, 4 Mar. 2020
Neil Sperry Mixed perennials were chosen for seasons of color (purpleheart, yarrow, cannas and others).
—Neil Sperry, star-telegram, 1 May 2017
Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025
The 42-year-old Crossville resident has not served in the military but has a deep respect for it because his great-grandfather had received a Purple Heart, the nation’s oldest military award, for his sacrifice and heroism in World War II, according to his wife, Chelsey Garrison.
—Melissa Chan, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2025
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Noun
Some of my favorite get-loud strikers include purpleheart, hickory, and birch.
—Jace Bauserman, Outdoor Life, 4 Mar. 2020
Neil Sperry Mixed perennials were chosen for seasons of color (purpleheart, yarrow, cannas and others).
—Neil Sperry, star-telegram, 1 May 2017
Noun
There is a road closure on Purple Heart Trail from I-635 exit 231A to I-635 North.
—Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025
The 42-year-old Crossville resident has not served in the military but has a deep respect for it because his great-grandfather had received a Purple Heart, the nation’s oldest military award, for his sacrifice and heroism in World War II, according to his wife, Chelsey Garrison.
—Melissa Chan, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purpleheart
Cite this Entry
“Purpleheart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purpleheart. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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