rhododendron

noun

rho·​do·​den·​dron ˌrō-də-ˈden-drən 

: any of a genus (Rhododendron) of widely cultivated shrubs and trees of the heath family with alternate leaves and showy flowers

especially : one with leathery evergreen leaves as distinguished from a deciduous azalea

Illustration of rhododendron

Examples of rhododendron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the warmer months, the mountain air stays cool and refreshing—perfect for long days on the river or shaded hikes through rhododendron thickets. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025

Some ideas for shrubs that grow in the shade: Azalea, camellia, dogwood, holly, hydrangea, mountain laurel, rhododendron, and yew, not me. —Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025

The property’s name comes from abundant tiger lilies, which share space with hydrangeas, rhododendrons and Kousa dogwoods on the spacious grounds. —Mary Forgione, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

In effect, all azaleas are rhododendrons, but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin (linnaeus), going back to Latin, "oleander, a plant of the Black Sea region described by Pliny whose honey is toxic (probably Rhododendron ponticum)," borrowed from Greek rhodódendron, from rhodo- rhodo- + déndron "tree" — more at dendro-

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rhododendron

• elepidote rhododendron
• lepidote rhododendron
• rosebay rhododendron

Rhymes for rhododendron

• endrin

Kids Definition

rhododendron

noun

rho·​do·​den·​dron ˌrōd-ə-ˈden-drən 

: any of a genus of trees and shrubs of the heath family that often have leathery evergreen leaves and showy clusters of yellow, white, pink, red, or purple flowers

Etymology

from scientific Latin rhododendron "rhododendron," derived from Greek rhodon "rose" and Greek dendron "tree"