rhododendron

noun

rho·​do·​den·​dron ˌrō-də-ˈden-drən 

: any of a genus (Rhododendron) of widely cultivated shrubs and trees of the heath family with alternate leaves and showy flowers

especially : one with leathery evergreen leaves as distinguished from a deciduous azalea

Illustration of rhododendron

Examples of rhododendron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mulch specific trees: All evergreens benefit from winter mulching, but boxwoods, rhododendrons, holly, azalea, mountain laurel, and arborvitae should be prioritized. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026

Many spring-flowering shrubs, including lilacs, bigleaf hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and lilacs, bloom on what is referred to as old wood—flower buds that were formed during the previous summer or fall. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2026

Acid-loving plants like blueberries and rhododendrons struggle. —Dr. Avishesh Neupane, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2026

These acid-loving plants make a wonderful partner to azaleas, rhododendrons, ferns, and other woodland favorites. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin (linnaeus), going back to Latin, "oleander, a plant of the Black Sea region described by Pliny whose honey is toxic (probably Rhododendron ponticum)," borrowed from Greek rhodódendron, from rhodo- rhodo- + déndron "tree" — more at dendro-

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rhododendron

• elepidote rhododendron
• lepidote rhododendron
• rosebay rhododendron

Rhymes for rhododendron

• endrin

Kids Definition

rhododendron

noun

rho·​do·​den·​dron ˌrōd-ə-ˈden-drən 

: any of a genus of trees and shrubs of the heath family that often have leathery evergreen leaves and showy clusters of yellow, white, pink, red, or purple flowers

Etymology

from scientific Latin rhododendron "rhododendron," derived from Greek rhodon "rose" and Greek dendron "tree"