mock orange

noun

1. Also called syringa. any of various shrubs belonging to the genus Philadelphus, of the saxifrage family, especially P. coronarius, a widely cultivated species having fragrant white flowers.
2. any of various other shrubs or trees having flowers or fruit resembling those of the orange, as the laurel cherry.

mock orange

noun

1. Also calledsyringa any shrub of the genus Philadelphus, esp P. coronarius, with white fragrant flowers that resemble those of the orange: family Philadelphaceae
2. any other shrub or tree that resembles the orange tree

Word History and Origins

Origin of mock orange¹

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

They held their breath; and I held mine, pressing my body into the mock-orange bush until the twigs cracked.

From Project Gutenberg

Being town-bred and unused to owls, I took it for a human cry in the darkness and shrank closer against my mock-orange bush.

From Project Gutenberg

The hardy ornamental shrubs, honeysuckle, lilac, mock-orange and spirea Van Houttii can be grown here.

From Project Gutenberg

Lilacs, snowballs and mock orange should be let alone during the winter, being neither trimmed nor covered with straw and manure.

From Project Gutenberg

Turning, she saw a middle-aged, white-haired lady, standing by a mock orange bush slightly to the left of the gate.

From Project Gutenberg