oleander

noun

ole·​an·​der ˈō-lē-ˌan-dər How to pronounce oleander (audio)
ˌō-lē-ˈan-
: a poisonous evergreen shrub (Nerium oleander) of the dogbane family with clusters of fragrant white to red flowers

Examples of oleander in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There are gardens of oleander, palms, and cacti, and a swimming pool beneath a folly of Greek columns. Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2024 My white oleander has become too tall with flowers on the tips. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2024 It was said that some of Alexander’s troops perished after using oleander skewers to cook their meat. Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2024 Isin recognized the plant as the poisonous oleander, which contains a chemical compound that, when ingested, can cause vomiting, nausea, cardiac arrhythmia, low blood pressure, even death. Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for oleander 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oleander.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, alteration of arodandrum, lorandrum, perhaps alteration of Latin rhododendron — more at rhododendron

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oleander was in 1545

Dictionary Entries Near oleander

Cite this Entry

“Oleander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oleander. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

oleander

noun
ole·​an·​der ˈō-lē-ˌan-dər How to pronounce oleander (audio)
: a poisonous evergreen shrub with showy fragrant usually white, pink, or purple flowers

Medical Definition

oleander

noun
: a poisonous evergreen shrub (Nerium oleander) of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) with fragrant white to red flowers that contains oleandrin and was formerly used in medicine

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