fringe tree

noun

: a small eastern U.S. tree (Chionanthus virginicus) of the olive family that has clusters of white flowers and is widely cultivated as an ornamental

Examples of fringe tree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some unusual trees include the Chinese fringe tree, Chinese pistachio and Japanese plum yew. Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Currently, the emerald ash borer has been found in trees only in Washington County, where a quarantine prohibits moving ash (Fraxinus) or fringe tree (Chionanthus) wood in or out of the area. oregonlive, 29 July 2023 In springtime, Akebono cherry trees and Chinese fringe trees will explode in a profusion of pink and white blooms, respectively. Emily Young, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2019 Other options: crabapple (Malus spp.), fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus, C. retusus), panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata) and sweetbay magnolia (M. virginiana). Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, Indianapolis Star, 20 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fringe tree.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1730, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fringe tree was circa 1730

Dictionary Entries Near fringe tree

Cite this Entry

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

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