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

Struck said his company is working on about two-thirds of the section of I-35E stretching from West Seventh Street to Grand Avenue, getting rid of tree stumps, dead and dying shrubs, buckthorn and nine red trellises. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026

Sea buckthorn extract adds another layer of brightening, thanks to its naturally high vitamin C content, along with antioxidant support to keep skin looking glowy overall. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026

This wildflower prefers high-quality, mature woods where non-native buckthorns are few or absent. —Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026

The ethos to cook classic Northern Thai food while embracing local ingredients will remain the same—like use of sea buckthorn in place of tamarind. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Mar. 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