dieback

noun

die·​back ˈdī-ˌbak 

: a condition in woody plants in which peripheral parts are killed (as by parasites)

Examples of dieback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This fungal disease, dubbed fusarium dieback, triggers drought-like symptoms which lead to severe damage and, often, death. — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Branch dieback in the upper canopy or a tree that fails to leaf out normally also warrants attention. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 8 Aug. 2026

Canopy thinning, crown death, branch dieback, and wilting leaves occur when borer larvae feed on the vascular tissues of ash trees and interrupt the flow of water and nutrients from the trees’ roots. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026

Egg laying also results in twig dieback. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1886, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dieback

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback