buck·thorn
| \ ˈbək-ˌthȯrn
\
\
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.
Examples of buckthorn in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Others seek his advice about the invasive buckthorn in their own yards.
—
Gail Rosenblum, Star Tribune, 16 Apr. 2021
Re-establishing native plants in the buckthorn's place is crucial.
—
Gail Rosenblum, Star Tribune, 16 Apr. 2021
When the buckthorn is gone, the Rotary and land trust hope new native trees will grow in their place, which will not only look better but will also improve the biodiversity of the park.
—
Jeff Rumage, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 24 June 2020
After a group of volunteers got to work in Deerfield’s Briarwood Nature Area and Trail Tree Nature Area recently, the spot now boasts 12 new trees and less invasive buckthorn.
—
Steve Sadin, chicagotribune.com, 18 Oct. 2019
The perfect pick for tired, puffy eyes, this treatment packs 7 different organic oils, including anti-inflammatory rosehip oil, firming sea buckthorn oil, and hydrating avocado oil.
—
Braelyn Wood, Health.com, 4 Apr. 2020
Plus: botanicals sea buckthorn, rosehip, and helichrysum to help encourage cell turnover; and grapeseed oil, a potent moisturizer rich in fatty acids and antioxidant compounds.
—
Beth Janes, Marie Claire, 9 Jan. 2020
The park is currently fighting against invasives like phragmites, hybrid cattail, buckthorn, Japanese knotweed and even wetland species like purple loosestrife.
—
Morgan Greene, chicagotribune.com, 25 Oct. 2019
Prickly sea buckthorn bushes and red-limbed willows are among the few species that can survive in the region’s cold desert climate and high altitudes.
—
Washington Post, 10 Jan. 2020
See MoreThese 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.
Keep scrolling for more
Learn More about buckthorn
Dictionary Entries near buckthorn
See More Nearby EntriesStatistics for buckthorn
Last Updated
10 May 2021
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Buckthorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buckthorn. Accessed 14 Jun. 2021.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for buckthorn
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
Test Your Vocabulary
Name that Thing: Dog Breeds
-
- Name that dog!
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share buckthorn
Time Traveler for buckthorn
The first known use of buckthorn was in 1578
See more words from the same year