purpleheart

1 of 2

noun (1)

pur·​ple·​heart ˈpər-pəl-ˌhärt 

: a strong durable purplish wood that is obtained from various leguminous trees (genus Peltogyne) of Central and South America

also : a tree producing such wood

Purple Heart

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a U.S. military decoration awarded to any member of the armed forces wounded or killed in action

Examples of purpleheart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Some of my favorite get-loud strikers include purpleheart, hickory, and birch. — Jace Bauserman, Outdoor Life, 4 Mar. 2020

Neil Sperry Mixed perennials were chosen for seasons of color (purpleheart, yarrow, cannas and others). — Neil Sperry, star-telegram, 1 May 2017

Noun

Along with the Navy Cross, Miller was awarded the Purple Heart; the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; and the World War II Victory Medal. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

During an August 2025 White House dinner honoring Purple Heart recipients, Capers met Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and spoke with Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins. — Ethan Rocke, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1738, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1932, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Purple Heart

noun

: a U.S. military decoration awarded to any member of the armed forces wounded or killed in action