sagebrush

American  

[seyj-bruhsh] / ˈseɪdʒˌbrʌʃ /

noun

1. any of several sagelike, bushy composite plants of the genus Artemisia, especially A. tridentata, having silvery, wedge-shaped leaves, with three teeth at the tip, common on the dry plains of the western U.S.

---

sagebrush British  

/ ˈseɪdʒˌbrʌʃ /

noun

1. any of several aromatic plants of the genus Artemisia, esp A. tridentata, a shrub of W North America, having silver-green leaves and large clusters of small white flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

---

Etymology

Origin of sagebrush

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; sage ² + brush ²

Example Sentences

Our ranch house’s high windows opened onto the sagebrush hills and a bit of an ocean view.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2025

I pass through fragrant California sagebrush and wild fennel in one spot, a blend of sweet pea, lilac and kicked-up dirt in another.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2024

On the ground, amid the sagebrush and tumbleweeds, are a few old barracks, a weathered wooden fence strung with barbed wire and a wind-battered guard tower.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2024

“We have determined that the dunes sagebrush lizard is in danger of extinction throughout all of its range,” the U.S.

From Seattle Times • May 17, 2024

Before they could attack, Brian jumped out from behind a clump of sagebrush, waving a yucca branch.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls