green thumb

American  

noun

1. an exceptional aptitude for gardening or for growing plants successfully.

   Houseplants provide much pleasure for the city dweller with a green thumb.

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green thumb British  

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): green fingers.  considerable talent or ability to grow plants

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green thumb Cultural  

1. A knack for growing plants and keeping them healthy: “All my houseplants are in sorry shape; it's clear I don't have a green thumb.”

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green thumb Idioms  

1. A knack for making plants grow well, as in Just look at Louise's plants—she really has a green thumb. This term presumably alludes to the stained fingers of an avid gardener. [First half of 1900s]

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Other Word Forms

• green-thumbed adjective
• green-thumber noun

Etymology

Origin of green thumb

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

His maternal grandmother was gifted with plant caregiving, and his mother was an “incredible grower” with an expert green thumb.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2023

The pastel blue jacket also showcases noteworthy books she worked on, as well as shrubs and flowers to represent her green thumb.

From Washington Post • Dec. 27, 2022

Planting in containers with a very good potting soil is the way to go with Superbells, though if you can duplicate in your garden bed, you will garner the green thumb there, too.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2022

Our holiday gift guide features the best tools and accessories to boost a beginner’s confidence or please a green thumb.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 2022

She’s had a green thumb since before we moved to the Ranch.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy