linden

noun

lin·​den ˈlin-dən 

1

: any of a genus (Tilia of the family Malvaceae, the mallow family) of deciduous trees of temperate regions that have cordate leaves and a winglike bract attached to the peduncle of the flower and fruit and that are often planted as ornamental and shade trees: such as

a

: a commonly cultivated European tree (T. europaea synonym T. vulgaris) much used for ornamental planting

b

: a tree (T. americana) chiefly of the central and eastern U.S.

called also basswood

2

: the light fine-grained white wood of a linden

especially : basswood sense 2

Illustration of linden

• branch with bract and fruit

Examples of linden in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nature trails traverse the acreage peppered with century-old sycamore, beech and linden trees. —Mark David, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2024

Their classic scents typically focus on a singular botanical inspiration, such as lavender leaf or linden tree. —Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 18 Sep. 2024

The beautiful gray sky of a rainy May day, and the lindens coming into flower. —Jim Moore, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024

Other trees, like linden trees, have very broad leaves and can provide really dense shade. —Benji Jones, Vox, 11 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, made of linden wood, from Old English, from lind linden tree; probably akin to Old English līthe gentle — more at lithe

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

linden

noun

lin·​den ˈlin-dən 

1

: any of a genus of trees with large heart-shaped leaves and drooping clusters of yellowish flowers that are often planted as ornamental or shade trees

2

: the light white wood of a linden

Geographical Definition

Linden

geographical name

Lin·​den ˈlin-dən 

city in northeastern New Jersey south-southwest of Elizabeth population 40,499