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

Some options here include bleeding hearts, violas, and aubrieta, as well as magnolia and rhododendrons. —Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 Apr. 2026

Admire the roses, rhododendrons, and ferns, and visit the greenhouse in peace and quiet. —Lindsey Tramuta, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2026

The gargantuan Loderi King George rhododendron stood four or five times my height, shaggy with giant effusive blooms of the palest pink. —Amy Waldman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026

In June and July, Kühtai shows its romantic side when thousands of rhododendrons dress the mountains in fiery pink. —Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026

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"