forsythia

noun

for·​syth·​ia fər-ˈsi-thē-ə How to pronounce forsythia (audio)
chiefly British -ˈsī-
plural forsythias also forsythia
: any of a genus (Forsythia) of ornamental shrubs of the olive family with opposite leaves and yellow bell-shaped flowers appearing before the leaves in early spring

Illustration of forsythia

Illustration of forsythia

Examples of forsythia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For the Mom who likes to garden, give her a shrub like forsythia. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 8 May 2026 The forsythia won’t be far behind. — Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Mar. 2026 The bright yellow blooms of forsythias are one of the earliest pops of color in the garden. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 25 June 2026 Daffodils, crocus and forsythia are blooming, and there are buds on many trees. — Tracy Trobridge, Baltimore Sun, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forsythia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from William Forsyth †1804 British botanist

First Known Use

circa 1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forsythia was circa 1814

Rhymes for forsythia

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Browse Nearby Words

Forsyth
forsythia
fort
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Cite this Entry

“Forsythia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forsythia. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

forsythia

noun
for·​syth·​ia fər-ˈsith-ē-ə How to pronounce forsythia (audio)
plural forsythias also forsythia
: any of a genus of shrubs related to the olive and having yellow bell-shaped flowers appearing before the leaves in early spring

More from Merriam-Webster on forsythia

Nglish: Translation of forsythia for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about forsythia

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