honey locust

American  

noun

1. a thorny North American tree, Gleditsia triacanthos, of the legume family, having small, compound leaves and pods with a sweet pulp.

---

honey locust British  

noun

1. a thorny leguminous tree, Gleditsia triacanthos of E North America, that has long pods containing a sweet-tasting pulp

2. another name for mesquite

---

Etymology

Origin of honey locust

An Americanism dating back to 1735–45

Example Sentences

The south side gets diffused sun shade by honey locust trees.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 11, 2023

A selection of trees, including honey locust, English oak and hornbeam, will now be planted along South Quay.

From BBC • Oct. 6, 2022

In summer, neighborhoods flutter with honey locust, silver linden, sugar maple, red oak, white ash and pignut hickory, all ready to ignite in fall with incendiary color.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2020

From the cosy living room atmosphere to the patio shaded by honey locust trees, laid-back Vine Street is the epitome of Colorado.

From The Guardian • Oct. 6, 2016

Each plate had a pile of soaked and stewed honey locust beans—mixed with hickory nuts.

From "My Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George