privet

noun

priv·​et ˈpri-vət 

: a Eurasian deciduous shrub (Ligustrum vulgare) of the olive family with semievergreen leaves and small white flowers that is widely used for hedges

broadly : any of various shrubs of the same genus

Examples of privet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, dwarf types are lovely for foundation plantings, berms, low borders, or assembled at the foot of taller plants, such as glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum). —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2024

Chinese privet Chinese privet, or Ligustrum sinense, is a semi-evergreen shrub native to Europe and Asia, and it can be found in 96% of Georgia counties. —Hunter Boyce, ajc, 1 June 2022

Many homeowners think that hedges can only consist of boxwood, privet, or arborvitae, but just about any plant that meets your size and ornamental appeal prescription can be used as a hedge: ornamental grasses, small trees ... —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 9 June 2023

What’s damaging these privet leaves? —oregonlive, 25 July 2021

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

privet

noun

priv·​et ˈpriv-ət 

: a shrub that is related to the olive, has small white flowers, and is widely used for hedges