loosestrife

noun

loose·strife | \ ˈlü(s)-ˌstrīf

Definition of loosestrife

1 : any of a genus (Lysimachia) of plants of the primrose family with leafy stems and usually yellow or white flowers

2 : any of a genus (Lythrum, family Lythraceae, the loosestrife family) of herbs having entire leaves and including some with showy spikes of purple flowers especially : purple loosestrife

Example Sentences Phrases Containing loosestrife Learn More About loosestrife

Examples of loosestrife in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Purple loosestrife is quickly recognizable, thanks to its upright purple flower spikes that bloom from midsummer through fall. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2020 To combat the problem, beetles that dined on loosestrife were introduced. — Connie Bruck, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2018 Garden Invasives: Eurasian bush honeysuckle, Japanese knotweed, Japanese barberry, burning bush, haveart bishop’s goutweed and purple loosestrife. — Joanne Kempinger Demski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2017 Visitors to the preserve trundle along a wobbly wooden boardwalk, where they are welcomed by a breathtaking view of a serene, blue lake framed by stands of native flora: swamp loosestrife, pickerel weed, lotus flowers, swamp milkweed and buttonbush. — James F. Mccarty, cleveland.com, 6 Aug. 2017 Purple loosestrife beetles were imported from Germany to another invasive species from overtaking the wetlands. — Lydia Lohrer, Detroit Free Press, 5 Aug. 2017 Native loosestrife has tiny yellow buttercup flowers and bronze leaves. — Perdita Buchan, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 May 2017 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'loosestrife.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.