deciduous

adjective

de·​cid·​u·​ous di-ˈsi-jə-wəs 

-jü-əs

1

biology : falling off or shed seasonally or at a certain stage of development in the life cycle

deciduous leaves

deciduous scales

2

biology

a

: having deciduous parts

maples, birches, and other deciduous trees

deciduous dentition

b

: having the dominant plants deciduous

a deciduous forest

3

: ephemeral

There is much that is deciduous in books …

—J. R. Lowell

deciduousness noun

Synonyms of deciduous

• temporary
• flash
• brief
• transient
• passing
• ephemeral
• transitory

Examples of deciduous in a Sentence

the bare branches of a deciduous tree in winter

he chose not to fret about the deciduous discomforts of his existence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ideal for border gardens or areas with deciduous plants that lose leaves in the fall, evergreens come in a diverse range, from fragrant gardenias to shade-loving rhododendrons. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2025

Evergreen shrubs paint the garden all year long, but even deciduous foliage provides color for months at a time. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2025

These are deciduous trees that will soon be bereft of foliage, but even then, there will be something to see. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 6 Dec. 2025

This is the most important maintenance time for deciduous fruit trees like peaches, nectarines, Pluots, Apriums, apples and others that drop their leaves in winter. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin deciduus, from decidere to fall off, from de- + cadere to fall — more at chance

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing deciduous

• deciduous tooth

Kids Definition

deciduous

adjective

de·​cid·​u·​ous di-ˈsij-ə-wəs 

1

: falling off (as at the end of a growing period or stage of development)

antlers are deciduous

deciduous leaves

2

: having deciduous parts or members with deciduous parts

deciduous trees

a deciduous forest

Medical Definition

deciduous

adjective

de·​cid·​u·​ous di-ˈsij-ə-wəs 

1

: falling off or shed at a certain stage in the life cycle

2

: having deciduous parts

a deciduous dentition