buckthorn

noun buck·thorn \ -ˌthȯrn \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Definition of buckthorn

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 (Bumelia lycioides) of the sapodilla family of the southern U.S.

Recent Examples of buckthorn from the Web

The Eiseles strive to increase biodiversity throughout the property, including efforts to plant native prairie species and to remove invasive plants such as garlic mustard and buckthorn.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Fulfillment on Gobbler's Ridge comes from more than just harvesting turkeys," 12 May 2018
The lingonberries and sea buckthorn used in Selma’s homemade sodas find new life as preserves, which are paired with tiny vintage Scandinavian oyster forks and sturdy spelt crackers.

— aliza abarbanel, Bon Appetit, "Hesperios Founder Autumn Hruby Just Opened a Cafe in Her Dreamy Manhattan Shop," 21 May 2018
The next challenge, Fuller said, is tackling the remnants of invasive brush, like buckthorn and Eurasian honeysuckle, that threaten to choke out volunteers’ progress.

— genevieve bookwalter, chicagotribune.com, "Miami Woods Forest Preserve celebrates 40 years of volunteer restoration," 6 Apr. 2018
The Savory Pastry Beets star in galettes at North Bakery in Providence, sea buckthorn sneaks into the muffins at Kantine in SF, and everything spice tops these doughy knots from The Bakery at Fat Rice in Chicago.

— leah mennies, Bon Appetit, "Technicolor Croissants and More Glimpses Into the Future of Pastries," 3 Apr. 2018
Common buckthorn is more prevalent and found in many landscapes.

— sheryl devore, Lake County News-Sun, "Battling buckthorn: Regional tree initiative enlists help from homeowners to eradicate invasive plant," 22 Feb. 2018
The initiative would be a cooperative venture between the village, the Lake Bluff Park District and Lake Bluff Open Lands, with the goals including opening up the entrance plus as well as removing invasive species such as buckthorn.

— daniel i. dorfman, chicagotribune.com, "Lake Bluff looks at whether to allow short-term rentals such as with Airbnb," 8 Mar. 2018
Two types of non-native buckthorn grow in the region.

— sheryl devore, Lake County News-Sun, "Battling buckthorn: Regional tree initiative enlists help from homeowners to eradicate invasive plant," 22 Feb. 2018
The Shake & Shot Brightening Mask utilizes vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and sea buckthorn fruit extract, which is chock full of antioxidants and helps even skin tone, brighten darkness, and revitalize the complexion.

— sara spruch-feiner, Allure, "Dr. Jart Launches Shake & Shot Rubber Masks That Let You Be a Skin-Care Mixologist," 2 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'buckthorn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of buckthorn

1578

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

buckthorn

noun buck·thorn \ ˈbək-ˌthȯ(ə)rn \

medical Definition of buckthorn

: 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 — see cascara buckthorn

Learn More about buckthorn

See words that rhyme with buckthorn Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about buckthorn

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up buckthorn? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

buckthorn

Definition of buckthorn

Recent Examples of buckthorn from the Web

First Known Use of buckthorn

Medical Dictionary

buckthorn

medical Definition of buckthorn

Learn More about buckthorn

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

notorious

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

'Creep': A Skin-Crawling History

Centuries and How to Refer to Them

If the Shoe Fits

On the Disruption of 'Disrupt'

Ask the Editors

Ghost Word

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Words for Summer: A Quiz

Name More Food!

Spell It

Citation

'Creep': A Skin-Crawling History

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word

buckthorn

Definition of buckthorn

Recent Examples of buckthorn from the Web

First Known Use of buckthorn

Medical Dictionary

buckthorn

medical Definition of buckthorn

Learn More about buckthorn

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Creep': A Skin-Crawling History

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word