bitterroot
noun
bit·ter·root
ˈbi-tər-ˌrüt 
ˈbi-tə-,
-ˌru̇t
: a succulent herb (Lewisia rediviva) of the purslane family that grows in western North America and has starchy roots and pink or white flowers
Examples of bitterroot in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
With the right timing, travelers will be able to see a variety of blooms, including lupine, glacial lilies, and bitterroot, which is the state flower.
—
Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025
Previous proposals were shut down by federal courts over threats to groundwater and a rare plant called Sacajawea’s bitterroot, according to reporting by The Associated Press and Idaho News 6.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 21 Mar. 2025
The bitterroot is Montana's state flower.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025
Previous proposals were shut down by federal courts over threats to groundwater and a rare plant called Sacajawea’s bitterroot, according to reporting by The Associated Press and Idaho News 6.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 21 Mar. 2025
The bitterroot is Montana's state flower.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Bitterroot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bitterroot. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share