spurge

noun

ˈspərj 

: any of a family (Euphorbiaceae) of widely distributed herbs, shrubs, and trees often with a bitter milky juice

especially : euphorbia

Examples of spurge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Also, spurge leaves are flat, and kind of ugly, while purslane leaves are plump and appetizing. —Khalil Alhajal, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Sushi By Bou Omakase is known for being a spurge of an experience, as many of the omakases that are most beloved can run hundreds of dollars a person. —Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025

This graceful spurge can be planted in mixed containers or grown as a ground cover in full sun or light shade. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 June 2025

California native of the Week: Baja spurge (Euphorbia xanti) has thin stems that are covered with white or pink flowers from winter to early spring. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French espurge, spurge, from espurger to clean out, purge, from Latin expurgare — more at expurgate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing spurge

• Allegheny spurge
• Japanese spurge
• leafy spurge
• spurge laurel

Rhymes for spurge

• dirge
• merge
• purge
• scourge
• serge
• splurge
• sturge
• surge
• urge
• verge
• converge
• diverge

Medical Definition

spurge

noun

ˈspərj 

: any of various mostly shrubby plants (family Euphorbiaceae, the spurge family, and especially genus Euphorbia) that have a bitter milky juice and that include several which have been used medicinally see ipecac spurge