sundew

noun

sun·​dew ˈsən-(ˌ)dü 

-(ˌ)dyü

: any of a genus (Drosera of the family Droseraceae, the sundew family) of bog-inhabiting insectivorous herbs having leaves covered with gland-tipped adhesive hairs

Examples of sundew in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Among the most diverse are the sundews, known to experts as Droseraceae. —Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2025

The peat is fed by a decaying layer of sphagnum moss, sundew, and butterwort, which deepens a millimeter a year. —Aaron Hicklin, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2024

As a result, the pitcher plant must draw its nitrogen from animal prey--just as other bog plants do, such as the Venus flytrap, the sundew, and the bladderwort. —Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

For example, familiar species like the Venus’ fly trap and the sundew live in bogs and swamps. —Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 9 Jan. 2012

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sundew

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

sundew

noun

sun·​dew ˈsən-d(y)ü 

: any of a genus of wetland herbs that trap and digest insects with the sticky hairlike glands on their leaves