purpleheart

noun (1)

pur·ple·heart | \ ˈpər-pəl-ˌhärt

Definition of purpleheart

(Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

noun (2)

Definition of Purple Heart (Entry 2 of 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

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