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

For a Mixed Border or Bed The late spring blooms of a rhododendron are a show-stopper in a mixed bed or low border along walkways and the foliage and shape bring year-round interest. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 12 Mar. 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

Broadleaf evergreens, such as holly, rhododendron, and boxwood, are the most susceptible to winter moisture stress and typically require a little more water than coniferous evergreens. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 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"