Illustration of hawthorn
- 1 leaves and flowers
- 2 fruits
hawthorn
noun
haw·thorn
ˈhȯ-ˌthȯrn 
: any of a genus (Crataegus) of spring-flowering spiny shrubs or small trees of the rose family with glossy and often lobed leaves, white or pink fragrant flowers, and small red fruits
Did you know?
Hawthorn Has Old English Roots
A hawthorn is a thorny shrub or tree which can be planted into a hedge, and this fact provides a hint about the origins of the plant's name. The word hawthorn traces back to the Old English word hagathorn, a combination of "haga" ("hedge") and "thorn" (same meaning as the modern "thorn" or "thornbush"). "Haga" was also used in Old English for the hawthorn itself, but by the 12th century the "thorn" had been added to its name.
Examples of hawthorn in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Because of its calming and relaxing power, a relaxing hawthorn herbal tea can also be consumed throughout the day as needed, not just in the evening to aid sleep.
—
Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024
Older studies suggest taking a daily dose of 160-900 mg of hawthorn extract, but there is insufficient recent research on hawthorn to confirm the correct dosage.14 Consult your healthcare provider before adding hawthorn to your diet.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 16 Oct. 2024
Goetz also calls out juniper and boxwood foliage for notoriously smelling like cat urine, hawthorn tree flowers for smelling like carrion, and the flashy flowers of crown fritillaria (Fritillaria imperialis) bulbs for mimicking a skunk.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024
English Meaning: Person who lives near a hawthorn bush or hedge
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Hawthorn
Famous Namesakes: Author Nathaniel Hawthorne
Peak Popularity: 2016
Fun Fact: Nathanial Hawthorne was a direct descendant of John Hathorne, a judge in the Salem witch trials.
—Anna Moeslein, Parents, 22 July 2024
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Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024
Older studies suggest taking a daily dose of 160-900 mg of hawthorn extract, but there is insufficient recent research on hawthorn to confirm the correct dosage.14 Consult your healthcare provider before adding hawthorn to your diet.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 16 Oct. 2024
Goetz also calls out juniper and boxwood foliage for notoriously smelling like cat urine, hawthorn tree flowers for smelling like carrion, and the flashy flowers of crown fritillaria (Fritillaria imperialis) bulbs for mimicking a skunk.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024
English Meaning: Person who lives near a hawthorn bush or hedge
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Hawthorn
Famous Namesakes: Author Nathaniel Hawthorne
Peak Popularity: 2016
Fun Fact: Nathanial Hawthorne was a direct descendant of John Hathorne, a judge in the Salem witch trials.
—Anna Moeslein, Parents, 22 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for hawthorn
Dictionary Entries Near hawthorn
Cite this Entry
“Hawthorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hawthorn. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hawthorn
noun
haw·thorn
ˈhȯ-ˌthȯ(ə)rn
: any of a genus of thorny shrubs or small trees that are related to the roses and have glossy leaves, white or pink fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring, and small red fruits
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