Scotch broom

noun

: a deciduous broom (Cytisus scoparius) of western Europe that is widely cultivated for its bright yellow or partly red flowers and that has become naturalized in North America

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Scotch broom was in 1798

Dictionary Entries Near Scotch broom

Cite this Entry

“Scotch broom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Scotch%20broom. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

Scotch broom

noun
: a deciduous broom (Cytisus scoparius) of western Europe that contains the alkaloid sparteine, is the source of scoparius, and is widely cultivated for its bright yellow or partly red flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on Scotch broom

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!