noun

oleander

oh-lee-AN-dər

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Oleander (noun) means Oleander is a highly poisonous evergreen shrub with leathery leaves and pink, red, or white flowers, often grown as an ornamental plant. Example: “The garden was lined with oleander bushes in full pink bloom.”

noun

Oleander is a highly poisonous evergreen shrub with leathery leaves and pink, red, or white flowers, often grown as an ornamental plant.

"The garden was lined with oleander bushes in full pink bloom."

"Gardeners are warned to keep pets away from oleander because every part of the plant is toxic."

"Oleander thrives in warm coastal climates and is a common sight along Mediterranean roadsides."

How to use oleander

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOleander is a pretty but poisonous flowering shrub often planted in gardens and along roads.

When to use it

Oleander is an ordinary gardening and botanical term, understood well beyond specialist circles.

Memory tip

Its softer names, rosebay or rose laurel, can help you recall that oleander belongs to the same family as laurel-like shrubs.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

rhododendron →

Common pairings

oleander bush pink oleander oleander flowers poisonous oleander

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The garden was lined with _____ bushes in full pink bloom.

Etymology

Oleander entered English from French oléandre, which came from Medieval Latin oleandru. That word derived from Late Latin lorandrum, possibly an altered form of rhododendron.

Origin: French

Rhymes for oleander

gander lander wander dander pander zander sander Xander slander Leander Evander colander

See all rhymes for oleander →

Frequently asked questions

Is oleander poisonous?

Yes, it is a notoriously poisonous shrub, so care should be taken around pets and children.

What does an oleander plant look like?

It has leathery, lance-shaped leaves and clusters of deep rose or white flowers.

Why do people grow oleander if it is toxic?

Despite its toxicity, it is widely grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and hardiness.

What is the meaning of oleander?

"oleander" (noun) means oleander is a highly poisonous evergreen shrub with leathery leaves and pink, red, or white flowers, often grown as an ornamental plant.