English Reference
Noun

bush

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US /ˈbʊʃ/ UK /bˈʊʃ/ bush UK spelling bushes Horticulture

n.a plant that is smaller than a tree and has many wooden stems growing from the ground. You often see them in gardens or parks as low walls of green leaves.

n.a low-growing woody plant with multiple stems branching from or near the ground. Often used as a synonym for 'shrub' in general contexts.


SIMPLE

The gardener trims the bush every spring.

CONTEXTUAL

We planted a thick rose bush near the front gate to add some color to the garden.

COMPLEX

The landscape architect recommended planting a native bush species that could withstand the local drought conditions while providing a natural privacy screen for the patio.

In the garden of his primary school in Birmingham, two apple trees and a rose bush have been planted in her memory.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026

Either the family name for those who live near a bush or a thicket of bushes, or the family name for those living at or near a bush (in the archaic sense of wine merchant or tavern).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated