noun

gorse

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Gorse (noun) means a thorny evergreen shrub of the genus Ulex, with spiny leaves and yellow flowers. Example: “The hillside was covered in bright yellow gorse.”

noun

A thorny evergreen shrub of the genus Ulex, with spiny leaves and yellow flowers.

"The hillside was covered in bright yellow gorse."

"She scratched her arm pushing through a patch of gorse."

"Gorse flowers give off a faint smell of coconut in the summer."

How to use gorse

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGorse is a spiky shrub with yellow flowers that grows wild on hillsides and heaths.

When to use it

Gorse is a plain, everyday word used mostly in nature and countryside writing.

Memory tip

It rhymes with 'horse', and the whole word carries the stress since it has one syllable.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

patch of gorse gorse bush flowering gorse gorse hedge

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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 “gorse” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The hillside was covered in bright yellow _____.

Etymology

Gorse comes down through Middle English and Old English from a Proto-West Germanic root, one that is related to the German and Latin words for barley. Some trace it further back to an ancient root meaning to bristle, which fits the plant's thorny look.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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furze whin

Rhymes for gorse

worse Morse Norse horse endorse remorse sawhorse racehorse

See all rhymes for gorse →

Frequently asked questions

What does gorse mean?

Gorse is a spiny evergreen shrub with yellow flowers, belonging to the genus Ulex.

Is gorse the same as furze?

Yes, furze and whin are both traditional names for the same plant as gorse.

Where does the word gorse come from?

It comes from Old English, tracing back to a Germanic root related to the word for barley.

What is the meaning of gorse?

"gorse" (noun) means a thorny evergreen shrub of the genus Ulex, with spiny leaves and yellow flowers.