First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1bush
noun, often attributive \ˈbu̇sh\
Definition of BUSH
1
a : shrub; especially : a low densely branched shrub b : a close thicket of shrubs suggesting a single plant
2
: a large uncleared or sparsely settled area (as in Australia) usually scrub-covered or forested : wilderness —usually used with the
3
a archaic : a bunch of ivy formerly hung outside a tavern to indicate wine for sale b obsolete : tavern c : advertising <good wine needs no bush — Shakespeare>
5
: minor league —usually used in plural <spent ten years in the bushes>
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Origin of BUSH
Middle English; akin to Old High German busc forest
Other Botany Terms
2bush
verb
Definition of BUSH
transitive verb
: to support, mark, or protect with bushes
intransitive verb
: to extend like a bush : resemble a bush
First Known Use of BUSH
15th century
3bush
adjective
Definition of BUSH
1
: having a low-growing compact bushy habit —used especially of cultivated beans <bush snap beans>
2
: serving, occurring in, or used in the bush <bush planes>
First Known Use of BUSH
1595
4bush
noun
Definition of BUSH
chiefly British : bushing
Origin of BUSH
Dutch bus bushing, box, from Middle Dutch busse box, from Late Latin buxis — more at box
First Known Use: 1566
5bush
adjective
Definition of BUSH
: falling below acceptable standards : unprofessional <bush behavior>
Origin of BUSH
short for bush-league
First Known Use: 1959
Bush
biographical name \ˈbu̇sh\
Definition of BUSH
George (Herbert Walker) 1924– Am. polit.; 41st pres. of the United States (1989–93)
Bush
biographical name
Definition of BUSH
George W(alker) 1946– son of prec. Am. polit.; 43d pres. of the United States (2001–09)
Bush
biographical name
Definition of BUSH
Van*ne*var \və-ˈnē-vər\ 1890–1974 Am. electrical engineer
BUSH Defined for Kids
bush
noun \ˈbu̇sh\
Definition of BUSH for Kids
1
: a usually low shrub with many branches
2
: a stretch of uncleared or lightly settled country
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