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

Northern flickers and other woodpeckers are just some of the birds that are attracted to viburnums. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2025

Many varieties of viburnums are also native to our area. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Nov. 2025

Native throughout eastern North America, arrowwood viburnum provides exceptional wildlife value through nectar-rich spring blooms and late season blue-black fruits. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 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

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 (family Adoxaceae) including several species whose dried bark has been used in folk medicine

2

: any plant of the genus Viburnum