buckthorn

noun

buck·​thorn ˈbək-ˌthȯrn 

1

: any of a genus (Rhamnus of the family Rhamnaceae, the buckthorn family) of often thorny trees or shrubs some of which yield purgatives or pigments

2

: a shrub or small tree (Sideroxylon lycioides) of the sapodilla family of the southern U.S.

Examples of buckthorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the artist has made a point of including black locust, buckthorn, and tree of heaven, plants identified as weeds in Massachusetts. — Kendra Nordin Beato, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2026

Frøya takes a botanical route to glow and tone instead, leaning on sea buckthorn and rosehip instead. — Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Teasel and buckthorn are on the Illinois list of invasive species that are difficult to remove and harm the environment. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

The product’s ceramide inclusion is also joined by skin care’s workhorse hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E, plus sea buckthorn, which aids with brightening and thereby remedies dark spots. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing buckthorn

• cascara buckthorn

Rhymes for buckthorn

• adorn
• airborne
• blackthorn
• broomcorn
• buckhorn
• careworn
• firstborn
• foodborne
• forborne
• forewarn
• forlorn
• forsworn

Medical Definition

buckthorn

noun

buck·​thorn ˈbək-ˌthȯ(ə)rn 

: a shrub or tree of the genus Rhamnus sometimes having thorny branches and often containing purgative principles in bark or sap and producing fruits sometimes used as a source of yellow and green dyes or pigments compare alder buckthorn, cascara buckthorn