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bush

noun (1), often attributive
\ ˈbu̇sh \

Definition of bush

 (Entry 1 of 8)

1a : shrub especially : a low densely branched shrub
b : a close thicket of shrubs suggesting a single plant
2 : a large uncleared or sparsely settled area (as in Australia) usually scrub-covered or forested : wilderness —usually used with the
3a archaic : a bunch of ivy formerly hung outside a tavern to indicate wine for sale
b obsolete : tavern
c : advertising good wine needs no bush— William Shakespeare
4 : a bushy tuft or mass a bush of hair especially : brush entry 2 sense 2a
5 : minor league —usually used in plural spent ten years in the bushes

bush

verb
bushed; bushing; bushes

Definition of bush (Entry 2 of 8)

transitive verb

: to support, mark, or protect with bushes

intransitive verb

: to extend like a bush : resemble a bush

bush

adjective (1)

Definition of bush (Entry 3 of 8)

1 : having a low-growing compact bushy habit —used especially of cultivated beans bush snap beans
2 : serving, occurring in, or used in the bush bush planes

bush

noun (2)

Definition of bush (Entry 4 of 8)

chiefly British
: bushing

bush

adjective (2)

Definition of bush (Entry 5 of 8)

: falling below acceptable standards : unprofessional bush behavior

Bush

biographical name (1)
\ ˈbu̇sh \

Definition of Bush (Entry 6 of 8)

George (Herbert Walker) 1924–2018 American politician; 41st president of the U.S. (1989–93)

Bush

biographical name (2)

Definition of Bush (Entry 7 of 8)

George W(alker) 1946–     son of George H. W. Bush American politician; 43rd president of the U.S. (2001–09)

Bush

biographical name (3)

Definition of Bush (Entry 8 of 8)

Van*ne*var \ və-​ˈnē-​vər \ 1890–1974 American electrical engineer

First Known Use of bush

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Adjective (1)

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1566, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1959, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for bush

Noun (1)

Middle English; akin to Old High German busc forest

Noun (2)

Dutch bus bushing, box, from Middle Dutch busse box, from Late Latin buxis — more at box

Adjective (2)

short for bush-league

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Dictionary Entries near bush

bus driver

bus duct

bus girl

bush

Bush

bush baby

bush basil

Statistics for bush

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Time Traveler for bush

The first known use of bush was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for bush

bush

noun
\ ˈbu̇sh \

Kids Definition of bush

1 : a usually low shrub with many branches
2 : a stretch of uncleared or lightly settled country

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More from Merriam-Webster on bush

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with bush

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bush

Spanish Central: Translation of bush

Nglish: Translation of bush for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of bush for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bush

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