dieback

American  

[dahy-bak] / ˈdaɪˌbæk /

noun

Plant Pathology.

1. a condition in a plant in which the branches or shoots die from the tip inward, caused by any of several bacteria, fungi, or viruses or by certain environmental conditions.

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dieback British  

/ ˈdaɪˌbæk /

noun

1. a disease of trees and shrubs characterized by death of the young shoots, which spreads to the larger branches: caused by injury to the roots or attack by bacteria or fungi

2. any similar condition of herbaceous plants

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verb

1. (intr, adverb) (of plants) to suffer from dieback

Etymology

Origin of dieback

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; die ¹ + back ²

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dieback

Soon enough, trees everywhere were showing blotchy, mottled, yellowed leaves and suffering from twig dieback and sparse foliage.

From Slate ● Apr. 20, 2026

In 2012 a wind-borne fungus from Asia triggered ash dieback in the UK, threatening up to 80% of mature ash trees.

From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2025

"Already at 1.4C of global warming, warm water coral reefs are crossing their thermal tipping point and experiencing unprecedented dieback," said the report by 160 scientists from dozens of global research institutions.

From Barron's ● Oct. 12, 2025

Since its arrival in Britain in 2012, ash dieback has spread to every corner of the British Isles, causing widespread damage to woodlands.

From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2025

Considerable dieback of filberts occurred; but during the following growing season recovery was effected and at the end of the summer very little evidence of winter injury was visible.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 41st Annual Meeting Pleasant Valley, New York, August 28, 29 and 30, 1950 by Northern Nut Growers Association

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