Illustration of hawthorn
- 1 leaves and flowers
- 2 fruits
hawthorn
noun
haw·thorn
ˈhȯ-ˌthȯrn 
: any of a genus (Crataegus) of spring-flowering spiny shrubs or small trees of the rose family with glossy and often lobed leaves, white or pink fragrant flowers, and small red fruits
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Hawthorn Has Old English Roots
A hawthorn is a thorny shrub or tree which can be planted into a hedge, and this fact provides a hint about the origins of the plant's name. The word hawthorn traces back to the Old English word hagathorn, a combination of "haga" ("hedge") and "thorn" (same meaning as the modern "thorn" or "thornbush"). "Haga" was also used in Old English for the hawthorn itself, but by the 12th century the "thorn" had been added to its name.
Examples of hawthorn in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In particular, fire blight readily spreads from hawthorns to neighboring apples, as well as pear trees, and causes these trees to drop their blossoms, stop fruiting, display wilted stems and leaves, and develop other problems.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025
There are several varieties that feed on apple, pear, elm, alder, beech, hawthorn, and silver maple trees.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
One systematic review suggests that, when used for 12 weeks, hawthorn tablets or drops can significantly lower blood pressure in people with mild hypertension.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2025
Below the front porch is a bed lined with Indian hawthorn.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
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Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025
There are several varieties that feed on apple, pear, elm, alder, beech, hawthorn, and silver maple trees.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
One systematic review suggests that, when used for 12 weeks, hawthorn tablets or drops can significantly lower blood pressure in people with mild hypertension.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2025
Below the front porch is a bed lined with Indian hawthorn.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hawthorn
Cite this Entry
“Hawthorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hawthorn. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hawthorn
noun
haw·thorn
ˈhȯ-ˌthȯ(ə)rn
: any of a genus of thorny shrubs or small trees that are related to the roses and have glossy leaves, white or pink fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring, and small red fruits
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