viburnum

noun

vi·​bur·​num vī-ˈbər-nəm 

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

Examples of viburnum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chinese snowball viburnum is more resistant to the viburnum leaf beetle than many species, but can still be attacked. —Rebecca Bull Reed, Southern Living, 10 June 2024

Hot Water Plunge: Spring stems like hydrangea and viburnum prefer a little rehydration via hot water. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 9 May 2024

For white flowers, consider spirea, peonies, star jasmine, and viburnum. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 May 2024

For a look-alike alternative to hydrangeas, try viburnum. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2024

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