honeysuckle

noun

hon·​ey·​suck·​le ˈhə-nē-ˌsə-kəl How to pronounce honeysuckle (audio)
: 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

Illustration of honeysuckle

Examples of honeysuckle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Pagano’s studies showed that nonnative and invasive bush honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) and common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) fruit, for example, have low levels of nutrients, fats and proteins. Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2023 The powder formula is also enriched with lots of nourishing ingredients that promote skin health, including hyaluronic acid, jojoba esters, aloe leaf, honeysuckle, safflower, and hibiscus extract. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 26 Oct. 2023 More:Asian bush honeysuckle threatens native species. The Indianapolis Star, 13 June 2023 Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and average soil Size: Climbs 10-20 feet Coral Honeysuckle While the Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is an invasive nuisance in most regions, the American native coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is quite well behaved and is carefree. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2023 Represented by the honeysuckle, the sign takes on new meaning with rebirth and new experiences. Kate McGregor, House Beautiful, 31 Aug. 2023 After winter has passed, plant a box honeysuckle in part to full sun in your garden. Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 19 Sep. 2023 Those include acacia, bamboo, eucalyptus, Japanese honeysuckle, rosemary, Scotch broom and gas plant, which gets its name from the flammable vapor its flowers and leaves exude. Jessica Damiano, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2023 As the aroma of Africa permeates your pores, featuring notes of Ugandan Vanilla and Ethiopian Honey, your body becomes a sanctuary of scented indulgence reminiscent of vanilla honeysuckle. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 23 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'honeysuckle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of honeysuckle was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near honeysuckle

Cite this Entry

“Honeysuckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honeysuckle. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

honeysuckle

noun
hon·​ey·​suck·​le -ˌsək-əl How to pronounce honeysuckle (audio)
: any of a genus of shrubs having fragrant tube-shaped flowers rich in nectar

More from Merriam-Webster on honeysuckle

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