# Ambrose

/ˈæmˌbɹoʊz/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ambrose
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a person's name

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a traditional name for a man or a family name.

For teachers: A masculine given name or a patronymic surname of Greek origin.

- Ambrose was a famous writer who lived many years ago.
- The historian noted that the surname Ambrose appeared frequently in the parish records of the nineteenth century.

Usage: Capitalized as a proper noun.

Teaching tip: While rare today, it is often encountered in historical or literary contexts.

### 2. a plant

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a type of plant that has a very sweet smell.

For teachers: A sweet-scented herb, specifically Dysphania botrys, also known as Jerusalem oak.

- The garden was filled with the scent of ambrose in the summer.
- The botanist identified the specimen as ambrose, noting its characteristic aromatic foliage.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the species in general.

## Examples

- The gods ate ambrose and nectar.
- In the poem, the hero drinks ambrose to gain strength.
- The banquet was described as a feast of ambrose, suggesting a meal of divine quality and exquisite taste.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.