honeysuckle

noun

hon·​ey·​suck·​le ˈhə-nē-ˌsə-kəl 

: any of a genus (Lonicera of the family Caprifoliaceae, the honeysuckle family) of shrubs with opposite leaves and fragrant tubular flowers rich in nectar

broadly : any of various plants (such as a columbine or azalea) with tubular flowers rich in nectar

Illustration of honeysuckle

Examples of honeysuckle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Japanese honeysuckle spreads from seeds and rhizomes and can rapidly climb trees, shrubs, and plants—sometimes to staggering heights. —Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 7 June 2026

This concrete planter mimics the look of a loose summer garden with lantanas, ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ coneflowers, and autumn ferns spilling out while ‘Alabama Crimson’ honeysuckle and ‘Gilded Sun’ roses add height. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 1 June 2026

Bruichladdich says the whisky opens with notes of honeyed oats, buttery shortbread, hazelnuts, and nutmeg, then moves into orange zest, pear, honeysuckle, crème brûlée richness, and a subtle salty coastal note on the palate. —Emily Price, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Some of the best plants for attracting and feeding hummingbirds are bee balm, salvia, coralbells, columbine, cardinal flower, coral honeysuckle, trumpet vine, and Indian pink. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English honysoukel clover, alteration of honysouke, from Old English hunisūce, from hunig honey + sūcan to suck

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing honeysuckle

• trumpet honeysuckle

Rhymes for honeysuckle

• buckle
• chicle
• chuckle
• knuckle
• muckle
• suckle
• tical

Kids Definition

honeysuckle

noun

hon·​ey·​suck·​le -ˌsək-əl 

: any of a genus of shrubs having fragrant tube-shaped flowers rich in nectar