Shrub Definition, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：a small woody plant (shrub)

shrub 🔊

/ʃrʌb/

A woody plant that is smaller than a tree and usually has many stems growing from near the ground.

Shrub plant illustration: a waist-high woody plant with multiple stems and pink flowers in a garden.

a small woody plant 🔊

➕

/ə smɔːl ˈwʊdi plænt/

A woody plant that is smaller than a tree and typically has multiple stems growing from near the ground.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'scrybb', meaning a shrub or scrub.

💡 Mnemonic

Shrub rhymes with tub – imagine a small plant in a tub.

📖 Example

We planted a small shrub with pink flowers next to the garden bench to add a touch of color. 🔊 We planted a small shrub with pink flowers next to the garden bench to add a touch of color.

🔗 Collocations

evergreen shrub – a shrub that retains its leaves throughout the year

ornamental shrub – a shrub grown for decorative purposes

flowering shrub – a shrub that produces flowers

🔄 Synonyms

bush (n.) – a shrub or cluster of shrubs, often used interchangeably with shrub

scrub (n.) – vegetation consisting of stunted trees or bushes

underbrush (n.) – small trees and bushes growing beneath taller trees

🚫 Antonyms

tree (n.) – a large woody plant with a single main trunk

🌱 Derivatives

shrubbery (n.) – an area planted with shrubs

shrubby (adj.) – resembling or consisting of shrubs

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'shrub' originates from Old English 'scrybb', related to 'scrub', denoting low-growing woody plants. It is commonly used in gardening and landscaping.