buckthorn

noun

buck·​thorn ˈbək-ˌthȯrn 

1

: any of a genus (Rhamnus of the family Rhamnaceae, the buckthorn family) of often thorny trees or shrubs some of which yield purgatives or pigments

2

: a shrub or small tree (Sideroxylon lycioides) of the sapodilla family of the southern U.S.

Examples of buckthorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sea buckthorn and yew are suitable for creating barriers or hedges due to their dense growth and resilience. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026

Spray this on before heat styling to help smooth strands and prep hair with frizz-fighting ingredients like sea buckthorn and a lightweight smoothing complex. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 5 May 2026

Made with 20 percent non-nano zinc oxide, squalene, glycerin and sea buckthorn oil, the product simplifies the skin and body routine, eliminating the need for serums, lotions and oils. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 May 2026

Invasive vines like Virginia creeper, English ivy, and buckthorn can strangle trees, for example, and some aggressive trees may spread via underground suckers and roots. — Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing buckthorn

• cascara buckthorn

Rhymes for buckthorn

• adorn
• airborne
• blackthorn
• broomcorn
• buckhorn
• careworn
• firstborn
• foodborne
• forborne
• forewarn
• forlorn
• forsworn

Medical Definition

buckthorn

noun

buck·​thorn ˈbək-ˌthȯ(ə)rn 

: a shrub or tree of the genus Rhamnus sometimes having thorny branches and often containing purgative principles in bark or sap and producing fruits sometimes used as a source of yellow and green dyes or pigments compare alder buckthorn, cascara buckthorn