mahonia

noun

ma·​ho·​nia mə-ˈhō-nē-ə How to pronounce mahonia (audio)
: any of a genus (Mahonia) of American and Asian shrubs (such as the Oregon grape) of the barberry family

Examples of mahonia in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Early fall or early spring are ideal times to plant mahonia. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2025 Types of 'Soft Caress' Mahonia This unique form of mahonia produces soft, feathery foliage unlike any other mahonia. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Bernard McMahon †1816 American botanist

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mahonia was in 1818

Rhymes for mahonia

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Browse Nearby Words

Mahone Bay
mahonia
Mahon stock
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Cite this Entry

“Mahonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mahonia. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

mahonia

noun
ma·​ho·​nia mə-ˈhō-nē-ə How to pronounce mahonia (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of North American and Asian shrubs (family Berberidaceae) that have unarmed branches and pinnate leaves and are sometimes included in the genus Berberis
2
: any shrub of the genus Mahonia
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