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

• 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

In full shade this deciduous shrub typically produces fewer flowers. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025

This zone is characterized by deciduous trees such as dogwood, alder, and aspen surrounded by conifer forest. —Worth Matthewson, Outdoor Life, 2 Oct. 2025

Most spring bulbs thrive where the deciduous tree canopy lets in enough sunlight for the bulbs to bloom and the soil doesn't stay overly wet. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2025

As temperatures drop, nearby groves of aspen, willow, cottonwood, and other deciduous trees turn into a brilliant display of scarlet, gold, and orange. —Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 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