Shrubs: meaning, definitions and examples

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shrubs

[ʃrʌbz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in gardening

Small to medium-sized woody plants with multiple stems and typically small leaves. Shrubs are often used in landscaping to add texture and color to gardens.

Synonyms

bushes, bushy plants, small trees.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shrubs	Repeated, refer to the first explanation.
bushes	Commonly used in everyday language to describe dense, woody plants that may be a bit wild or less maintained. Often heard in casual conversations about plants or outdoor areas. There are some large bushes blocking the view. The kids love to play hide and seek around the bushes.
bushy plants	Used to describe plants that have a dense, full appearance with lots of branches or leaves. This term is more descriptive and less specific, often focusing on the shape and fullness rather than the type. The garden is filled with bushy plants that provide lots of shade. We prefer bushy plants for the backyard to create a lush look.
small trees	Describes young or naturally small species of trees, often used in professional or botanical contexts. This term implies a more upright and tree-like structure compared to shrubs and bushes. We decided to plant small trees to create a natural barrier. Small trees are ideal for urban gardens with limited space.

Examples of usage

Many homeowners choose to plant shrubs along the perimeter of their property.
The garden was filled with a variety of flowering shrubs.
I trimmed the shrubs to keep them neat and tidy.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

botany

A plant that is smaller than a tree and has a woody stem branching out close to the ground.

Synonyms

bush, shrubbery, underbrush.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shrubs	This term is typically used in gardening or landscaping to describe medium-sized, woody plants. It's a general term that covers a range of plants. They planted several shrubs along the driveway. The garden center has a wide variety of shrubs available.
bush	This word often describes a single large, dense plant. It can also refer to wild or untamed areas with dense vegetation. She trimmed the rose bush in the front yard. They got lost in the bush during their hike.
shrubbery	Use this term when referring to a collective group or arrangement of shrubs. It often has a more formal or structured implication, like in a landscaped area. The manor house was surrounded by well-maintained shrubbery. He designed the garden to include a variety of shrubbery.
underbrush	This term describes the dense vegetation that grows beneath the canopy of forests, including small trees, shrubs, and bushes. It usually has a wild and untamed implication. The hikers had to cut through thick underbrush. The fire spread quickly through the dry underbrush.

Examples of usage

The shrubs in the forest provide shelter for small animals.
This shrub has beautiful pink flowers in the spring.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'shrub' comes from the Old English word 'scrubbe', which refers to a low, stunted plant.
In medieval times, shrubs were often associated with wild growth and unkempt gardens, contrasting with the formal landscapes of wealthy estates.

Botanical Characteristics

Unlike trees, shrubs have multiple stems and generally do not reach a height of more than about 15 feet.
Many shrubs are deciduous, which means they lose their leaves in the fall, while others are evergreen and keep their leaves year-round.

Horticulture

Shrubs are important in landscape design as they provide structure, fill space, and can serve as natural barriers.
Pruning shrubs is a common practice to promote healthy growth and to shape them into desired forms or styles.

Environmental Impact

Shrubs play a key role in ecosystems by providing habitat and food for various wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals.
They contribute to soil health by preventing erosion, as their roots help anchor the soil.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, shrubs are used in traditional medicine, with certain species known for their medicinal properties.
Landscaping with shrubs can enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens, parks, and urban areas, reflecting cultural values and practices related to nature.

Translations

Translations of the word "shrubs" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arbustos

🇮🇳 झाड़ियाँ

🇩🇪 Sträucher

🇮🇩 semak-semak

🇺🇦 чагарники

🇵🇱 krzewy

🇯🇵 低木

🇫🇷 arbustes

🇪🇸 arbustos

🇹🇷 çalılar

🇰🇷 관목

🇸🇦 شجيرات

🇨🇿 keře

🇸🇰 kry

🇨🇳 灌木

🇸🇮 grmičevje

🇮🇸 runna

🇰🇿 бұталар

🇬🇪 ბუჩქები

🇦🇿 kollar

🇲🇽 arbustos

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,934 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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