linden

noun

lin·​den ˈlin-dən 

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

• branch with bract and fruit

Examples of linden in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some kinds of trees, such as honey locusts, hackberries, lindens and maples, are naturally more inclined to produce suckers. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Left alone, the little leaf linden tree can grow up to 80 feet tall; its long branches can span up to 50 feet wide. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026

The queen ceremonially planted a tree, a little-leaf linden, on the South Lawn. — Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

Instead, focus now on protection by wrapping young tree trunks — especially maples, lindens and honeylocust — against sunscald and frost cracks common with Colorado’s drastic winter temperature fluctuations. — Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 5 Oct. 2025

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

Kids Definition

linden

noun

lin·​den ˈlin-dən 

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 

city in northeastern New Jersey south-southwest of Elizabeth