privet

[ priv-it ]

noun
  1. any of various deciduous or evergreen shrubs of the genus Ligustrum, especially L. vulgare, having clusters of small white flowers and commonly grown as a hedge.

Origin of privet

1
First recorded in 1535–45; origin uncertain

Words Nearby privet

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How to use privet in a sentence

  • His gray hackles stiffened and his thick-set eyebrows bristled outward like bits of frosted privet.

    The Escape of Mr. Trimm | Irvin S. Cobb
  • As the strains died away and the couples moved off among the privet-lined paths, I went slowly down the terrace.

    Richard Carvel, Complete | Winston Churchill
  • Then a little branch of privet comes and touches M. Flammarion's hand, apparently arriving from somewhere near the window.

    Mysterious Psychic Forces | Camille Flammarion
  • The copper beech, the high privet hedge and the willows beyond it, shut out both light and air.

    Gray youth | Oliver Onions
  • She made a charming picture as she walked slowly the length of the privet hedge and then turned towards the copper beech again.

    Gray youth | Oliver Onions

British Dictionary definitions for privet

privet

/ (ˈprɪvɪt) /


noun
    • any oleaceous shrub of the genus Ligustrum, esp L. vulgare or L. ovalifolium, having oval dark green leaves, white flowers, and purplish-black berries

    • (as modifier): a privet hedge

Origin of privet

1
C16: of unknown origin

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