deciduous

adjective

de·​cid·​u·​ous di-ˈsi-jə-wəs 

-jü-əs

1

biology : falling off or shed seasonally or at a certain stage of development in the life cycle

deciduous leaves

deciduous scales

2

biology

a

: having deciduous parts

maples, birches, and other deciduous trees

deciduous dentition

b

: having the dominant plants deciduous

a deciduous forest

3

: ephemeral

There is much that is deciduous in books …

—J. R. Lowell

deciduousness noun

Synonyms of deciduous

• temporary
• flash
• brief
• transient
• passing
• ephemeral
• transitory

Examples of deciduous in a Sentence

the bare branches of a deciduous tree in winter

he chose not to fret about the deciduous discomforts of his existence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows in big clumps in the branches of many types of deciduous trees, including apple trees, willows, and ash. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2025

Crepe myrtles, a deciduous and evergreen tree that is considered the lilac of the south, provide seed pods in the fall and winter. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2025

Most of my spring bloomers are loaded with flower buds, and most of my deciduous plants are preparing for winter. —Arkansas Online, 17 Nov. 2025

Winterberry holly This is a deciduous variety of Holly. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin deciduus, from decidere to fall off, from de- + cadere to fall — more at chance

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing deciduous

• deciduous tooth

Kids Definition

deciduous

adjective

de·​cid·​u·​ous di-ˈsij-ə-wəs 

1

: falling off (as at the end of a growing period or stage of development)

antlers are deciduous

deciduous leaves

2

: having deciduous parts or members with deciduous parts

deciduous trees

a deciduous forest

Medical Definition

deciduous

adjective

de·​cid·​u·​ous di-ˈsij-ə-wəs 

1

: falling off or shed at a certain stage in the life cycle

2

: having deciduous parts

a deciduous dentition