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
The most common hawthorn berry supplement dose is daily between 250 and 500 milligrams.
—
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
In this formula, mystery abounds — propelled by notes of crushed violet, fern, hawthorn essence, and ambrette.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
The fruit of chokecherries, hawthorn, dogwood, sumac, and juniper are some of their favorites.
—Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Jan. 2026
Although more research is needed, studies suggest that hawthorn may lower blood pressure in individuals with mild hypertension.10
4.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 18 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hawthorn
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Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
In this formula, mystery abounds — propelled by notes of crushed violet, fern, hawthorn essence, and ambrette.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
The fruit of chokecherries, hawthorn, dogwood, sumac, and juniper are some of their favorites.
—Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Jan. 2026
Although more research is needed, studies suggest that hawthorn may lower blood pressure in individuals with mild hypertension.10
4.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 18 Nov. 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 17 Feb. 2026.
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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