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noun Uncommon

linden

LIHN-duhn

Linden (noun) means a deciduous tree of the genus Tilia, with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers; also called the lime tree. Example: “Bees swarmed around the flowering linden in June.”

noun
1
A deciduous tree of the genus Tilia, with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers; also called the lime tree.
"Bees swarmed around the flowering linden in June."
2
The pale, soft wood produced by this tree.
"The carving was made from linden, prized for how easily it takes fine detail."
adj
1
Made from the wood of the linden tree.
"The instrument had a linden body."

How to Use Linden

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe lime tree — a tree known for its heart-shaped leaves, fragrant flowers, and soft wood used in carving.

Common mistake

The "lime tree" here is unrelated to the citrus lime fruit tree — same name, different plant.

Word Forms

lindens plural

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Bees swarmed around the flowering _____ in June.

Etymology

From Old English linden, an adjective built from lind ("linden tree"); over time English speakers began using it directly as the tree's name.

Origin: Old English

lime basswood lime tree linden tree

Related Words

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “linden” mean?

The word “linden” means a deciduous tree of the genus Tilia, with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers; also called the lime tree. In plain terms, the lime tree — a tree known for its heart-shaped leaves, fragrant flowers, and soft wood used in carving.

How do you pronounce “linden”?

“Linden” is pronounced LIHN-duhn (/ˈlɪn.dən/ in IPA).

How do you use “linden” in a sentence?

Here is “linden” used in a sentence: “Bees swarmed around the flowering linden in June.”

What part of speech is “linden”?

Depending on how it is used, “linden” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “linden” come from?

The word “linden” comes from Old English. From Old English linden, an adjective built from lind ("linden tree"); over time English speakers began using it directly as the tree's name.

Is “linden” a common word?

“Linden” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “linden” have?

“Linden” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a deciduous tree of the genus Tilia, with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers; also called the lime tree.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial