Shrub Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shrub

[ʃrʌb ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

plant

A shrub is a small to medium-sized woody plant. It is distinguished from a tree by its multiple stems and shorter height.

Synonyms

bush, bushes, shrubbery.

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Word Description / Examples
shrub

Commonly used in gardening and landscaping to refer to a small to medium-sized woody plant.

  • The gardener planted a variety of shrubs to create a colorful border
  • The butterfly was resting on the shrub
bush

Often used in more informal contexts to refer to a dense, low plant that might grow naturally, and can also imply wild or untamed growth.

  • The children were hiding in the bushes
  • The wild berries on the bush are not safe to eat
shrubbery

A formal term used to describe an area planted with shrubs, often used to talk about landscape design or to describe a feature of a garden.

  • The estate's beautiful shrubbery attracted many visitors
  • The new park includes a well-maintained shrubbery
bushes

The plural of 'bush', commonly used when referring to several of these plants, particularly in an informal or natural setting.

  • We couldn't see the rabbit because it was hidden among the bushes
  • Let's trim the bushes in the backyard this weekend

Examples of usage

  • Many gardens have shrubs such as roses and hydrangeas.
  • Shrubs are often used for landscaping purposes.
  • The shrubbery in the park provides a natural habitat for birds and insects.

Translations

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Origin of 'shrub'

The word 'shrub' originated from the Old English 'scrub-land', which referred to low, stunted trees or bushes. Over time, the term evolved to specifically describe a small to medium-sized woody plant with multiple stems. Shrubs have been cultivated for centuries for their ornamental value in gardens and landscapes.


See also: shrubbery, shrubs.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,729, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.