viburnum

noun

vi·​bur·​num vī-ˈbər-nəm 

: any of a genus (Viburnum of the family Adoxaceae) of widely distributed shrubs or small trees with simple leaves and white or sometimes pink cymose flowers

Examples of viburnum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Native viburnums, such as Arrowwood and Blackhaw, show off red, yellow and purple foliage in the fall, along with berries that also become winter bird feeders. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025

Since pruning within two months of the season’s first frost can damage new growth, gardeners should avoid pruning viburnums in September. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025

Hydrangeas are showing off their beautiful flowers, viburnums are developing fruits, and the evergreen shrubs are growing dense foliage that can be utilized in the landscape as privacy screens and hedges. —Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2025

Some good candidates for a bird habitat include brambles, cotoneaster, currant, holly, pyracantha, viburnum, and yew. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, a viburnum

First Known Use

circa 1731, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

viburnum

noun

vi·​bur·​num vī-ˈbər-nəm 

: any of a genus of widely distributed shrubs or small trees that are related to the honeysuckles and have white or sometimes pink flowers in broad clusters

Medical Definition

viburnum

noun

vi·​bur·​num vī-ˈbər-nəm 

1

capitalized : a large genus of widely distributed shrubs or trees of the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) including several species whose dried bark has been used in folk medicine

2

: any plant of the genus Viburnum