hawthorn

noun

haw·​thorn ˈhȯ-ˌthȯrn 

: any of a genus (Crataegus) of spring-flowering spiny shrubs or small trees of the rose family with glossy and often lobed leaves, white or pink fragrant flowers, and small red fruits

Illustration of hawthorn

• 1 leaves and flowers
• 2 fruits

Did you know?

Hawthorn Has Old English Roots

A hawthorn is a thorny shrub or tree which can be planted into a hedge, and this fact provides a hint about the origins of the plant's name. The word hawthorn traces back to the Old English word hagathorn, a combination of "haga" ("hedge") and "thorn" (same meaning as the modern "thorn" or "thornbush"). "Haga" was also used in Old English for the hawthorn itself, but by the 12th century the "thorn" had been added to its name.

Examples of hawthorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The tincture boasts ginger and orange peel but also leans into the power of cinnamon cassia, cardamom pods, and hawthorn berry. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 21 Nov. 2024

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, hawthorn extract Best For: Fine lines, dark circles, puffiness Size: 0.5 oz. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024

Because of its calming and relaxing power, a relaxing hawthorn herbal tea can also be consumed throughout the day as needed, not just in the evening to aid sleep. —Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024

Older studies suggest taking a daily dose of 160-900 mg of hawthorn extract, but there is insufficient recent research on hawthorn to confirm the correct dosage.14 Consult your healthcare provider before adding hawthorn to your diet. —Joy Emeh, Health, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English haȝþorne, hawethorn, going back to Old English haguþorn, hægþorn, going back to Germanic *hagaþurna- (whence also Old High German hagandorn "hawthorn," Old Icelandic hagþorn), from *haga- "fenced enclosure, hedge" + *þurna- thorn — more at haw entry 1

Note: Hawthorn, "thorn of the hedge," is a metonymic name for what was apparently a characteristic plant of hedges in the early Germanic world.

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

hawthorn

noun

haw·​thorn ˈhȯ-ˌthȯ(ə)rn 

: any of a genus of thorny shrubs or small trees that are related to the roses and have glossy leaves, white or pink fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring, and small red fruits