oleander

noun

ole·​an·​der ˈō-lē-ˌan-dər 

ˌō-lē-ˈan-

: a poisonous evergreen shrub (Nerium oleander) of the dogbane family with clusters of fragrant white to red flowers

Examples of oleander in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are gardens of oleander, palms, and cacti, and a swimming pool beneath a folly of Greek columns. —Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2024

My white oleander has become too tall with flowers on the tips. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2024

It was said that some of Alexander’s troops perished after using oleander skewers to cook their meat. —Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2024

Isin recognized the plant as the poisonous oleander, which contains a chemical compound that, when ingested, can cause vomiting, nausea, cardiac arrhythmia, low blood pressure, even death. —Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, alteration of arodandrum, lorandrum, perhaps alteration of Latin rhododendron — more at rhododendron

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

oleander

noun

ole·​an·​der ˈō-lē-ˌan-dər 

: a poisonous evergreen shrub with showy fragrant usually white, pink, or purple flowers

Medical Definition

oleander

noun

ole·​an·​der ˈō-lē-ˌan-dər, ˌō-lē-ˈ 

: a poisonous evergreen shrub (Nerium oleander) of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) with fragrant white to red flowers that contains oleandrin and was formerly used in medicine