hawthorn

American  

[haw-thawrn] / ˈhɔˌθɔrn /

noun

1. any of numerous plants belonging to the genus Crataegus, of the rose family, typically a small tree with stiff thorns, certain North American species of which have white or pink blossoms and bright-colored fruits and are cultivated in hedges.

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hawthorn British  

/ ˈhɔːˌθɔːn /

noun

1. Also called (in Britain): may.   may tree.   mayflower.  any of various thorny trees or shrubs of the N temperate rosaceous genus Crataegus, esp C. oxyacantha, having white or pink flowers and reddish fruits (haws)

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Other Word Forms

• hawthorny
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of hawthorn

before 900; Middle English; Old English haguthorn, cognate with Middle Dutch hagedorn, Middle High German hagendorn, Old Norse hagthorn. See haw ³, thorn

Example Sentences

A bow-tie wearing gent with a shock of blond hair, Hawthorn became Britain's first world champion eight years into Formula 1's existence.

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2025

Hawthorn Primary School in Cardiff is one of the recipients of the objects and their headteacher Gareth Davies said it gave the children "equipment we would never be able to afford within the budget".

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2025

The production has set up a donation center behind its Hollywood studio, at 6901 Hawthorn Ave. The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until Friday.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2025

Hawthorn Avenue will be fully closed two days prior to the show, on March 8.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2024

Doc Hawthorn was almost completely bald, and in the morning his head often smelled like onions.

From "Holes" by Louis Sachar