rhododendron

American  

[roh-duh-den-druhn] / ˌroʊ dəˈdɛn drən /

noun

1. any evergreen or deciduous shrub or tree belonging to the genus Rhododendron, of the heath family, having rounded clusters of showy, pink, purple, or white flowers and oval or oblong leaves.

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rhododendron British  

/ ˌrəʊdəˈdɛndrən /

noun

1. Also called (US): rosebay.  any ericaceous shrub of the genus Rhododendron , native to S Asia but widely cultivated in N temperate regions. They are mostly evergreen and have clusters of showy red, purple, pink, or white flowers See also azalea

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Etymology

Origin of rhododendron

1595–1605; < Latin < Greek rhodódendron ( rhódo- rhodo- + déndron tree)

Example Sentences

The remnant of rainforests that remain in Scotland face two main threats, from deer and rhododendron.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Here’s that bird again, launching from the rhododendron, banging his forehead on my living room window.

From Salon • Jul. 19, 2025

Just outside her window, she could see hot-pink rhododendron flowers and the stately redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2025

“In my front yard, I took out some rhododendron and put in Cistus, and they are doing excellently,” he says.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2024

I stomped my foot and then I kicked at gravel, sending it tumbling into the rhododendron bushes along the side of the driveway.

From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor