English Reference

Word

linden

Phoneticslin·den

US/ˈɫɪndən/

UK/lˈɪndən/

Definition

n. a type of large tree with heart-shaped leaves and sweet-smelling yellow flowers. In North America, people often call this tree a basswood.

n. any tree of the genus Tilia, characterized by heart-shaped leaves and fragrant, pale-yellow flowers. Often referred to as lime trees in British English and basswood in North American English.

Examples

“The linden tree provides plenty of shade in the summer.”

“The street was lined with ancient linden trees that filled the air with a heavy, sweet scent every June.”

“Schubert's famous song cycle includes a piece about a linden tree, which served as a powerful symbol of memory and longing in German Romantic literature.”

Examples

simple

“The linden tree provides plenty of shade in the summer.”

contextual

“The street was lined with ancient linden trees that filled the air with a heavy, sweet scent every June.”

complex

“Schubert's famous song cycle includes a piece about a linden tree, which served as a powerful symbol of memory and longing in German Romantic literature.”

Usage

Often used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'linden honey' or 'linden blossom'.

Real-World Examples

“Previous pollen analyses from Naame and other Paleolithic sites had already indicated the presence of well-developed Mediterranean forest vegetation, including firs, birches, hazels, elms, linden trees, hop-hornbeam and regular hornbeams.”
Phys.org · 14 Sept 2026

This entry

Level
C2 · Proficiency
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference