noun

cornel

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Cornel (noun) means a tree or shrub of the dogwood genus Cornus, particularly the European cornel, Cornus mas. Example: “The cornel in our garden turned deep red in autumn.”

noun

A tree or shrub of the dogwood genus Cornus, particularly the European cornel, Cornus mas.

"The cornel in our garden turned deep red in autumn."

"We planted a young cornel near the fence last spring."

"Several cornels lined the path near the old orchard."

The small, cherry-like fruit of the cornel tree, some kinds of which can be eaten.

"She picked a handful of ripe cornels from the tree."

"Only some cornels are sweet enough to eat straight from the tree."

"The cornels were later made into a preserve."

How to use cornel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA cornel is a type of dogwood plant, or the tart fruit it produces.

When to use it

This is a fairly specialist word, used mostly in gardening and botany rather than everyday chat.

Memory tip

Remember that a cornel is a dogwood plant, not related to corn despite the similar spelling.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a cornel tree ripe cornels European cornel cornel cherry

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “cornel” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ in our garden turned deep red in autumn.

Etymology

Cornel comes from Middle English corneille, itself taken from Middle French corneille. That word traces back to a Vulgar Latin form based on the Latin cornus, the name for the European cornel.

Origin: Middle French

Synonyms

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cornelian cherry cornel cherry dogwood

Frequently asked questions

What does cornel mean?

Cornel refers to a dogwood tree or shrub, especially the European cornel, and also to its cherry-like fruit.

Is a cornel the same as a cornelian cherry?

Yes, the fruit of the cornel tree is also called a cornelian cherry or cornel cherry.

Can you eat cornels?

Some cornels, including those of the European cornel, produce fruit that is edible.

What is the meaning of cornel?

"cornel" (noun) means a tree or shrub of the dogwood genus Cornus, particularly the European cornel, Cornus mas.