linden

noun

lin·​den ˈlin-dən How to pronounce linden (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Tilia of the family Malvaceae, the mallow family) of deciduous trees of temperate regions that have cordate leaves and a winglike bract attached to the peduncle of the flower and fruit and that are often planted as ornamental and shade trees: such as
a
: a commonly cultivated European tree (T. europaea synonym T. vulgaris) much used for ornamental planting
b
: a tree (T. americana) chiefly of the central and eastern U.S.

called also basswood

2
: the light fine-grained white wood of a linden
especially : basswood sense 2

Illustration of linden

Illustration of linden
  • branch with bract and fruit

Examples of linden in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The beautiful gray sky of a rainy May day, and the lindens coming into flower. Jim Moore, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024 Other trees, like linden trees, have very broad leaves and can provide really dense shade. Benji Jones, Vox, 11 July 2024 At the front of the house, there is a perfect spot for a statement tree — a regal American linden would give the home a stately Southern look, Elliott says. Bishop Sand, Washington Post, 6 July 2024 Suckers arising from trees such as apples, crabapples, honey locust, lindens and others, however, should be removed. Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for linden 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'linden.' 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, made of linden wood, from Old English, from lind linden tree; probably akin to Old English līthe gentle — more at lithe

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of linden was in 1577

Dictionary Entries Near linden

Cite this Entry

“Linden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linden. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

linden

noun
lin·​den ˈlin-dən How to pronounce linden (audio)
1
: any of a genus of trees with large heart-shaped leaves and drooping clusters of yellowish flowers that are often planted as ornamental or shade trees
2
: the light white wood of a linden

Geographical Definition

Linden

geographical name

Lin·​den ˈlin-dən How to pronounce Linden (audio)
city in northeastern New Jersey south-southwest of Elizabeth population 40,499

More from Merriam-Webster on linden

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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