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bush

/bʊʃ/
noun★Beginner
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.

Collocations

bushyhaving many branches or leavesbushlandan area covered with bushes

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

bushwhackphrase
to cut a path through dense vegetation
bush telegraphphrase
a system of spreading news or rumors quickly

💡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
root
English Dictionary

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