ginkgo

noun

gink·​go ˈgiŋ-(ˌ)kō 

 also  ˈgiŋk-(ˌ)gō

variants or less commonly gingko

plural ginkgoes or ginkgos also gingkos or gingkoes

1

: a gymnospermous dioecious tree (Ginkgo biloba) of eastern China that is widely grown as an ornamental or shade tree and has fan-shaped leaves and foul-smelling yellowish fleshy seed coats

called also maidenhair tree

2

: ginkgo biloba

Did you know?

There is only one living representative of the gymnosperm order Ginkgoales, and that is the tree Ginkgo biloba. Native to China, the ginkgo has existed for some 250 million years and is often termed a living fossil. It has long been planted in Chinese and Japanese temple gardens, and is valued in many parts of the world as an attractive, fungus- and insect-resistant ornamental tree. It tolerates cold weather and can survive the adverse atmospheric conditions of urban areas. The light-colored wood, is soft and weak and has little economic value. The leaves are fan-shaped and leathery. The silvery nut, when roasted, is considered a delicacy. Studies have suggested that ginkgo supplements can enhance memory function in the elderly and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Examples of ginkgo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cycads are gymnosperms, a group that includes conifers and ginkgos. —Laura Cinti, Ars Technica, 16 June 2024

After his death, teachers also planted a ginkgo tree next to the lunchroom in Mr. Paty’s name, to represent strength, hope, and resilience. —Colette Davidson, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Apr. 2024

Formulated with a nourishing blend of green tea, ginkgo leaf extract, sweet almond, and peppermint extract, this foot mask provides a softening and soothing burst of hydration while revitalizing the soles. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024

Someone has swept the sidewalk of the ginkgo berries. —Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 4 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Ginkgo, from Japanese ginkyō

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ginkgo

• ginkgo biloba

Kids Definition

ginkgo

noun

gink·​go

variants also gingko

ˈgiŋ-kō 

 also  ˈgiŋk-gō

plural ginkgoes or ginkgos

: a large Chinese tree with fan-shaped leaves and bad-smelling fruit that is often grown as a shade tree