noun
Uncommon
rowan
ROH-uhn
Rowan (noun) means a small deciduous tree with clusters of white flowers and bright orange-red berries, also called the mountain ash. Example: “The rowan tree outside the cottage was thick with red berries in autumn.”
noun
1
A small deciduous tree with clusters of white flowers and bright orange-red berries, also called the mountain ash.
"The rowan tree outside the cottage was thick with red berries in autumn."
name
1
A given name, used for both boys and girls, popularized partly by the tree.
"They named their daughter Rowan after the tree in the garden."
How to use rowan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the rowan tree, known for red berries, or a modern unisex first name.
Common pairings
rowan tree
rowan berries
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like rowan.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- rowans
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ tree outside the cottage was thick with red berries in autumn.
Etymology
From Old Norse reynir, referring to the tree, related to a root meaning "red" (from its berries).
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for rowan
See all rhymes for rowan →Frequently asked questions
What does “rowan” mean?
The word “rowan” means a small deciduous tree with clusters of white flowers and bright orange-red berries, also called the mountain ash. In plain terms, either the rowan tree, known for red berries, or a modern unisex first name.
How do you pronounce “rowan”?
“Rowan” is pronounced ROH-uhn (/ˈɹoʊ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “rowan” in a sentence?
Here is “rowan” used in a sentence: “The rowan tree outside the cottage was thick with red berries in autumn.”
What part of speech is “rowan”?
Depending on how it is used, “rowan” can be a noun and a name.
Where does the word “rowan” come from?
The word “rowan” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse reynir, referring to the tree, related to a root meaning "red" (from its berries).
Is “rowan” a common word?
“Rowan” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “rowan” have?
“Rowan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small deciduous tree with clusters of white flowers and bright orange-red berries, also called the mountain ash.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include rowan:
