azalea

American  

[uh-zayl-yuh] / əˈzeɪl jə /

noun

• azaleas
  plural

1. any of numerous shrubs belonging to a particular group (Azalea) of the genus Rhododendron, of the heath family, comprising species with handsome flower clusters of various colors, some of which are familiar in cultivation: the group was formerly the botanical genus Azalea but is now a horticultural classification.

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azalea British  

/ əˈzeɪljə /

noun

1. any ericaceous plant of the group Azalea, formerly a separate genus but now included in the genus Rhododendron: cultivated for their showy pink or purple flowers

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• azaleas
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of azalea

1750–60; < New Latin < Greek azaléa, noun use of feminine of azaléos dry; so named because it grows in dry soil

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

azalea azaleas

Still, Pyongyang has touted Jindallae -- "azalea" in Korean -- as a convenient way for citizens to stay connected, albeit through a strictly controlled domestic network.

From Barron's ● May 5, 2026

Raymond Yoshimura would go on to hybridize several plants, including the Mission Bell azalea that became a popular draw for the nursery, Swanton said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 26, 2023

She later found a couple of adult cicadas in an azalea near her condo.

From Washington Post ● May 22, 2022

He even had to take a left-handed swing at the 13th after knocking his ball onto the pine straw behind the green, right up next to an azalea.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 10, 2022

It was at this point that Louisiana’s grandmother stuck her hand out of the azalea bush and grabbed Raymie’s ankle.

From "Raymie Nightingale" by Kate DiCamillo

He believes he will get it done among the azaleas.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 13, 2026

Roman Ivannikov has spent around 30 years pampering orchids, azaleas and figs at Ukraine's National Botanical Garden, but power cuts triggered by Russian strikes are threatening to freeze his cherished collection of tropical plants.

From Barron's ● Feb. 12, 2026

These are not gardens that welcome ericaceous plants — acid-lovers like azaleas and other Rhododendron, or blueberries.

From Seattle Times ● May 15, 2024

Although these muffins hit the spot anytime, I especially have a taste for them right now with the azaleas in full bloom and nature is all abuzz.

From Salon ● Mar. 21, 2024

And then I knew that the vanished scent upon the handkerchief was the same as the crushed white petals of the azaleas in the Happy Valley.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

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