spicebush

noun

spice·​bush ˈspīs-ˌbu̇sh How to pronounce spicebush (audio)
: an aromatic shrub (Lindera benzoin) of the laurel family found chiefly in the eastern U.S. that bears dense clusters of small greenish-yellow flowers followed by usually scarlet berries

Examples of spicebush in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Pagano’s research has shown that native berries such as dogwoods, spicebush (Lindera benzoin) and viburnums naturally provide the high fat and calorie content that birds need. Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2023 Wisconsin is home to seven types: black, Canadian tiger, Eastern tiger, giant; and strays from the South that are uncommon but appear in Wisconsin: pipevine, spicebush and zebra. Jennifer Rude Klett, Journal Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2023 In addition to being food for birds, perhaps the berries of the spicebush are food for thought. Susan Brownstein, cleveland, 12 July 2022 Beneath them can lie currant bushes like elderberry or spicebush, along with edible herbs and mushrooms. Carla Delgado, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2023 This 94-proof gin was copper pot distilled without chill filtration and features wild foraged Kentucky botanicals including Kentucky juniper and spicebush. Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 19 July 2022 But in April, long before most plants begin leafing out, the spicebush erupts in delicate yellow pompoms of flower, writes Susan Brownstein. Cliff Pinckard, cleveland, 14 July 2022 Beetles are pollinators for plants like magnolia, Carolina allspice, pawpaw, spicebush and water lilies. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 15 June 2022 Shrubs include spicebush, blueberry, viburnum, New Jersey tea, meadowsweet spirea and dogwood (redosier, silky, gray, and pagoda). Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spicebush.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spicebush was in 1770

Dictionary Entries Near spicebush

Cite this Entry

“Spicebush.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spicebush. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spicebush

noun
spice·​bush ˈspīs-ˌbu̇sh How to pronounce spicebush (audio)
: a fragrant shrub of the eastern U.S. and Canada that is related to the laurels and has clusters of small greenish yellow flowers and usually red berries

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