forsythia

noun

for·​syth·​ia fər-ˈsi-thē-ə 

 chiefly British  -ˈsī-

plural forsythias also forsythia

: any of a genus (Forsythia) of ornamental shrubs of the olive family with opposite leaves and yellow bell-shaped flowers appearing before the leaves in early spring

Illustration of forsythia

Examples of forsythia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The daffodils and forsythia are blooming everywhere right now, offering a riot of yellow to a landscape that has been a monochrome gray for too many months. —Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2024

This grabbing yellow forsythia halo will make a huge statement on your door. —Leonora Epstein, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024

Contrasting with the diversity of T. forsythia strains in ancient times, just one lineage of the bacteria has prevailed in recent centuries by attaining a genetic advantage over other strains. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024

The list of old-wood bloomers includes lilacs, viburnums and forsythia. Shrubs that bloom on new wood offer the gardener more pruning leeway. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 15 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from William Forsyth †1804 British botanist

First Known Use

circa 1814, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

forsythia

noun

for·​syth·​ia fər-ˈsith-ē-ə 

plural forsythias also forsythia

: any of a genus of shrubs related to the olive and having yellow bell-shaped flowers appearing before the leaves in early spring