Looking up...
bush
/bʊʃ/
a small shrub or woody plant
The garden has a beautiful bush with red flowers.
The garden contains a small woody plant with red flowers.
formal
a small shrub or woody plant, typically with many branches and leaves
She planted a bush in her backyard to attract birds.
She added a small woody plant to her backyard to attract birds.
In botany, a bush is distinguished from a tree by its smaller size and multiple stems.
informal
a dense growth of shrubs or trees, especially in a wild or uncultivated area
We got lost in the bush while hiking.
We got lost in the dense growth of shrubs and trees while hiking.
In some contexts, 'bush' can refer to a wilderness area, especially in Australia.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Bush vs. Tree
A bush is generally smaller than a tree and has multiple stems, while a tree has a single trunk.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'bush' can vary based on context, from a small plant to a wilderness area.
Word Origin
Old English 'būsc', from Proto-Germanic 'buskaz', meaning 'bush, shrub'. Related to Dutch 'bos' and German 'Busch'.
Usage Notes
In Australian English, 'the bush' often refers to the countryside or outback.
Word Breakdown
bush
small woody plant
rootEnglish Dictionary