poison oak
noun
1
: any of several plants related to poison ivy and producing an oil with similar irritating properties: such as
a
: a bushy plant (Toxicodendron diversilobum synonym Rhus diversiloba) of the Pacific coast
b
: a bushy plant (Toxicodendron pubescens synonym Rhus toxicodendron) chiefly of the southeastern U.S.
Examples of poison oak in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Beth Smith lives and runs in Burlingame, California, and runs roads and trails while trying to not get Prednisone-level poison oak rashes.
—
Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 15 Nov. 2024
Interesting side note: Mugwort tends to grow next to poison oak.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
Similar elastic bands at the ankles make for a secure fit, perfect for pulling over socks in areas where the poison ivy or poison oak hasn’t died back yet or to limit your chances of ticks.
—Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2024
Like its cousins, poison oak and poison ivy, poison sumac contains urushiol in every part of the plant, but is more toxic.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for poison oak 
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.
Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 15 Nov. 2024
Interesting side note: Mugwort tends to grow next to poison oak.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
Similar elastic bands at the ankles make for a secure fit, perfect for pulling over socks in areas where the poison ivy or poison oak hasn’t died back yet or to limit your chances of ticks.
—Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2024
Like its cousins, poison oak and poison ivy, poison sumac contains urushiol in every part of the plant, but is more toxic.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for poison oak
Dictionary Entries Near poison oak
Cite this Entry
“Poison oak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poison%20oak. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
poison oak
noun
1
: any of several plants included in the genus Rhus or sometimes in the genus Toxicodendron that produce an irritating oil like that of poison ivy:
a
: a bushy plant (R. diversiloba synonym T. diversilobum) of the Pacific coast
b
: a bushy plant (R. toxicodendron synonym T. pubescens) of the southeastern United States
3
: a skin rash produced by poison oak
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share