Grapevine: meaning, definitions and examples

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grapevine

[ˈɡreɪpvaɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

informal communication

A method of spreading information, gossip, or rumors through informal channels.

Synonyms

rumor mill, word of mouth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
grapevine	Typically used to describe an informal and often unreliable channel of information or gossip. This term originated from the Civil War era, where communication lines hung like grapevines. I heard through the grapevine that she got promoted. News of their breakup spread quickly through the grapevine.
rumor mill	Often employed to indicate a source or process where gossip and rumors are constantly being generated. It carries a somewhat negative connotation, suggesting the spread of possibly false or exaggerated information. The rumor mill at the office is saying that there will be layoffs next month. Don't believe everything you hear from the rumor mill; it's not always accurate.
word of mouth	Used to relay information that is spread directly from person to person through casual conversation. This term is usually neutral and can refer to either reliable or unreliable information, depending on context. The best way to advertise our new product is through word of mouth. She found the new restaurant through word of mouth recommendations.

Word

Description / Examples

grapevine

Typically used to describe an informal and often unreliable channel of information or gossip. This term originated from the Civil War era, where communication lines hung like grapevines.

I heard through the grapevine that she got promoted.
News of their breakup spread quickly through the grapevine.

rumor mill

Often employed to indicate a source or process where gossip and rumors are constantly being generated. It carries a somewhat negative connotation, suggesting the spread of possibly false or exaggerated information.

The rumor mill at the office is saying that there will be layoffs next month.
Don't believe everything you hear from the rumor mill; it's not always accurate.

word of mouth

Used to relay information that is spread directly from person to person through casual conversation. This term is usually neutral and can refer to either reliable or unreliable information, depending on context.

The best way to advertise our new product is through word of mouth.
She found the new restaurant through word of mouth recommendations.

Examples of usage

I heard it through the grapevine that she's getting promoted.
The grapevine is buzzing with news about the upcoming project.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

plant

A woody vine bearing clusters of grapes, used in winemaking.

Synonyms

grape plant, vitis.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
grapevine	Although the same word as the first entry, this usage refers to the actual plant that grows grapes, and is best used in casual conversations or gardening contexts. The grapevine in my backyard has been producing a lot of grapes this year. We need to prune the grapevine to keep it healthy.
grape plant	This term is most appropriate when referring to the plant itself in a general or non-scientific context, especially when explaining to someone who might not be familiar with botanical terminology. I planted a grape plant in my garden last spring. The grape plant requires a lot of sunlight to produce good fruit.
vitis	This is the scientific term for the genus of plants that includes grapes. Use this word in scientific, academic, or formal contexts, such as research papers or academic discussions. Vitis vinifera is the most common species used for wine production. The study focused on the genetic diversity within the Vitis genus.

Word

Description / Examples

grapevine

Although the same word as the first entry, this usage refers to the actual plant that grows grapes, and is best used in casual conversations or gardening contexts.

The grapevine in my backyard has been producing a lot of grapes this year.
We need to prune the grapevine to keep it healthy.

grape plant

This term is most appropriate when referring to the plant itself in a general or non-scientific context, especially when explaining to someone who might not be familiar with botanical terminology.

I planted a grape plant in my garden last spring.
The grape plant requires a lot of sunlight to produce good fruit.

vitis

This is the scientific term for the genus of plants that includes grapes. Use this word in scientific, academic, or formal contexts, such as research papers or academic discussions.

Vitis vinifera is the most common species used for wine production.
The study focused on the genetic diversity within the Vitis genus.

Examples of usage

The grapevine in our backyard produces delicious grapes every summer.
The vineyard is full of grapevines ready for harvest.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'grapevine' originally referred to the climbing plant that produces grapes, derived from Middle English 'grape' and Old French 'grape'.
In the 19th century, the phrase 'grapevine telegraph' emerged, describing how information spread quickly using informal communication.
The association of the word with gossip reflects how grapevines intertwine, symbolizing how stories connect among people.

Cultural Significance

In the United States, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, grapevines became a metaphor for informal communication, often used in political contexts.
In African American culture, the term has roots in the Civil Rights Movement, representing the sharing of information in tight-knit communities.
The grapevine is not just a plant but a cultural symbol in various societies, often associated with secrecy, gossip, and community.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'I heard it through the grapevine' became popularized with the song by Marvin Gaye in 1968, symbolizing heartbreak and rumors.
Grapevine imagery appears in films and books, typically representing the spread of information or rumors among characters.
Television shows often use the grapevine metaphor to depict how quickly news travels in close-knit settings, like small towns or workplaces.

Scientific Connections

In botany, grapevines are categorized as a part of the Vitaceae family and play a crucial role in the ecosystem by supporting biodiversity.
The cultivation of grapevines significantly impacted agriculture, leading to the production of wine, which has a rich historical and cultural significance.
Scientists study grapevine genetics to improve disease resistance and yield, affecting global wine production and agricultural practices.

Psychology

Gossip and news sharing, often referred to as 'grapevine communication', can influence group dynamics and individual behavior within social groups.
Research shows that grapevine communication binds communities and creates social cohesion, impacting how people relate to one another.
Hearing news from the grapevine might lead to different emotional responses, such as anxiety or excitement, based on the nature of the information shared.

Translations

Translations of the word "grapevine" in other languages:

🇵🇹 videira

🇮🇳 अंगूर की बेल

🇩🇪 Weinrebe

🇮🇩 pohon anggur

🇺🇦 виноградна лоза

🇵🇱 winorośl

🇯🇵 葡萄の木 (ぶどうのき)

🇫🇷 vigne

🇪🇸 vid

🇹🇷 asma

🇰🇷 포도나무

🇸🇦 كرمة

🇨🇿 vinná réva

🇸🇰 vinič

🇨🇳 葡萄藤 (pútao téng)

🇸🇮 trta

🇮🇸 vínviður

🇰🇿 жүзім сабағы

🇬🇪 ვაზი

🇦🇿 üzüm tənəyi

🇲🇽 vid