waterleaf

noun

wa·​ter·​leaf ˈwȯ-tər-ˌlēf How to pronounce waterleaf (audio)
ˈwä-
plural waterleafs ˈwȯ-tər-ˌlēfs How to pronounce waterleaf (audio)
ˈwä-
: any of a genus (Hydrophyllum of the family Hydrophyllaceae, the waterleaf family) of perennial or biennial North American woodland herbs with lobed or pinnate toothed leaves and cymes of bell-shaped flowers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The mottled fronds of waterleaf came next, followed by mayapples unfurling their glossy umbrellas and the extravagant white of the first trilliums. John Gurda, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2020 On the other side of the path, a clump of waterleaf (Hydrophyllum canadense) was thriving against a tree stump. Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2019 Thompson’s broadleaf lupine, Columbia desert parsley, Thompson’s waterleaf, and Hood River milkvetch. Sunset, 22 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'waterleaf.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of waterleaf was in 1737

Dictionary Entries Near waterleaf

Cite this Entry

“Waterleaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterleaf. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on waterleaf

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


A Good Old-Fashioned Quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY