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

Flowering shrubs to consider include lilac, viburnum, forsythia and smooth hydrangeas. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 6 Mar. 2026

The sunny faux forsythia arrangement brightens a front door or table with its beautiful blooms designed to withstand the elements. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2026

Azaleas, Chinese fringe flower, and forsythia rely on later pruning for their popular spring displays. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Nov. 2025

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