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

Apply preemergent herbicide when yellow forsythia blossoms start dropping or when redbud trees begin to flower. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2026

Daffodils, crocus and forsythia are blooming, and there are buds on many trees. —Tracy Trobridge, Baltimore Sun, 5 Apr. 2026

Some popular choices include forsythia, staghorn sumac, or cotoneaster shrubs. —Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026

The forsythia won’t be far behind. —Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from William Forsyth †1804 British botanist

First Known Use

circa 1814, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for forsythia

• lithia

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