rhododendron

American  

[roh-duh-den-druhn] / ˌroʊ dəˈdɛn drən /

noun

1. any evergreen or deciduous shrub or tree belonging to the genus Rhododendron, of the heath family, having rounded clusters of showy, pink, purple, or white flowers and oval or oblong leaves.

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rhododendron British  

/ ˌrəʊdəˈdɛndrən /

noun

1. Also called (US): rosebay.  any ericaceous shrub of the genus Rhododendron , native to S Asia but widely cultivated in N temperate regions. They are mostly evergreen and have clusters of showy red, purple, pink, or white flowers See also azalea

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Etymology

Origin of rhododendron

1595–1605; < Latin < Greek rhodódendron ( rhódo- rhodo- + déndron tree)

Example Sentences

In the plant world, amongst the biggest offenders are the invasive Japanese knotweed which damages people's homes, or rhododendron that leaves toxins in soils.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

Here’s that bird again, launching from the rhododendron, banging his forehead on my living room window.

From Salon • Jul. 19, 2025

Just outside her window, she could see hot-pink rhododendron flowers and the stately redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2025

In recent years, Joan Baldwin, the president of the organization, said she has seen azaleas and Washington’s native state plant, the rhododendron, turn brown and droop due to longer, hotter and drier summers.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 24, 2023

A few days after Phoebe and I had seen Mr. Birkway and Mrs. Cadaver whacking away at the rhododendron, I walked home with Phoebe after school.

From "Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech