buckthorn
noun
buck·thorn
ˈbək-ˌthȯrn 
1
: any of a genus (Rhamnus of the family Rhamnaceae, the buckthorn family) of often thorny trees or shrubs some of which yield purgatives or pigments
2
: a shrub or small tree (Sideroxylon lycioides) of the sapodilla family of the southern U.S.
Examples of buckthorn in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Each drink has a base of sea buckthorn, a natural source of omega-7, the company says.
—
Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 18 May 2026
At its base is 63% Hippophae rhamnoides (more commonly known as sea buckthorn) water, rich in naturally occurring antioxidants, paired with 5% niacinamide and 2% tranexamic acid to target dullness and dark spots without feeling stingy like a peel.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 9 May 2026
Additionally, the committee schedules regular work days at the Fabyan and Gunnar Anderson forest preserves to remove invasive species such as buckthorn and honeysuckle.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
Sea buckthorn and yew are suitable for creating barriers or hedges due to their dense growth and resilience.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for buckthorn
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Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 18 May 2026
At its base is 63% Hippophae rhamnoides (more commonly known as sea buckthorn) water, rich in naturally occurring antioxidants, paired with 5% niacinamide and 2% tranexamic acid to target dullness and dark spots without feeling stingy like a peel.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 9 May 2026
Additionally, the committee schedules regular work days at the Fabyan and Gunnar Anderson forest preserves to remove invasive species such as buckthorn and honeysuckle.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
Sea buckthorn and yew are suitable for creating barriers or hedges due to their dense growth and resilience.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for buckthorn
Cite this Entry
“Buckthorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buckthorn. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
buckthorn
noun
buck·thorn
ˈbək-ˌthȯ(ə)rn
: a shrub or tree of the genus Rhamnus sometimes having thorny branches and often containing purgative principles in bark or sap and producing fruits sometimes used as a source of yellow and green dyes or pigments compare alder buckthorn, cascara buckthorn
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