bare-root

adjective

of a plant

: having roots cleared of soil in preparation for transplanting

Buying bare-root roses in midwinter has several advantages—the young roses are fully dormant with small, less-developed root systems and can be transplanted with less damage …

—Elinor Teague, Fresno Bee, 16 Dec. 2011

While you can plant potted peonies anytime during the growing season, if you are buying bare-root plants (and you probably are) they must be planted in the fall.

—Craig Summers Black, Better Homes and Gardens, August 2000

also : relating to or producing bare-root plants

a bare-root nursery

Bare-root season is short because trees are dug and shipped while dormant.

—Emely Lincowski, Sunset, December 1992

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

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Rhymes for bare-root

• absolute
• arrowroot
• attribute
• bitterroot
• constitute
• convolute
• destitute
• disrepute
• dissolute
• execute
• institute
• involute