mock orange

noun

: any of a genus (Philadelphus of the family Hydrangeaceae, the hydrangea family) of ornamental shrubs of which several are widely grown for their showy white flowers

called also philadelphus, syringa

: any of several usually shrubby plants considered to resemble the orange

Examples of mock orange 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.

When mock orange shrubs bloom in spring, their creamy white flowers emit a heady, citrus-like aroma that can’t help but liven up garden beds. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2026 The syringa is nicknamed mock orange because the sweet fragrance of its white flowers are similar to the scent of orange blossoms. — Bruce Whiting, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2026 The orange-blossom fragrance of the native mock orange is so delightful that many gardeners plant the shrub close to a patio or sitting area. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 June 2026 The bouquet included meadow grass, ox-eye daisies, iris, rose, clematis, mock orange, scabious, sweet pea, astrantia, martagon lily and love in a mist. — Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 7 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for mock orange

Word History

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of mock orange was in 1731

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Browse Nearby Words

mock olive

mock orange

mock ore

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Mock orange.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mock%20orange. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mock orange

noun

: any of several shrubs widely grown for their showy white flowers

mock orange

noun

Examples of mock orange in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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