A1 noun Neutral

shrub

/ʃrʌb/

A shrub is a small to medium-sized woody plant that stays low to the ground. Unlike a tree, it usually has several main stems growing from the base rather than one single trunk.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I want to plant a flowering shrub in the corner of my garden.

I want to plant a flowering shrub in the corner of my garden.

2

The architectural plans include a variety of native shrubs for the perimeter.

The architectural plans include a variety of native shrubs for the perimeter.

3

Check out that cool shrub; it has bright red leaves!

Check out that cool shrub; it has bright red leaves!

Word Family

Noun
shrub
Adjective
shrubby
Related
shrubbery
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Short Rub'. Shrubs are 'short' plants that you might 'rub' against when walking down a garden path.

Quick Quiz

The gardener is using shears to cut the ____ in front of the house.

Correct!

The correct answer is: shrub

Examples

1

I want to plant a flowering shrub in the corner of my garden.

everyday

I want to plant a flowering shrub in the corner of my garden.

2

The architectural plans include a variety of native shrubs for the perimeter.

formal

The architectural plans include a variety of native shrubs for the perimeter.

3

Check out that cool shrub; it has bright red leaves!

informal

Check out that cool shrub; it has bright red leaves!

4

Research indicates that the shrub layer provides essential habitat for local bird species.

academic

Research indicates that the shrub layer provides essential habitat for local bird species.

5

Our landscaping firm provides annual maintenance for all corporate shrubs and hedges.

business

Our landscaping firm provides annual maintenance for all corporate shrubs and hedges.

Word Family

Noun
shrub
Adjective
shrubby
Related
shrubbery

Common Collocations

evergreen shrub evergreen shrub
flowering shrub flowering shrub
prune a shrub prune a shrub
ornamental shrub ornamental shrub
native shrub native shrub

Common Phrases

shrub border

shrub border

ornamental shrubbery

ornamental shrubbery

berry-bearing shrub

berry-bearing shrub

Often Confused With

shrub vs bush

They are often used as synonyms, but 'shrub' is more common in technical or gardening contexts, while 'bush' is more casual.

shrub vs tree

A tree is usually much taller and has one thick trunk, whereas a shrub has many stems and is shorter.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'shrub' when you are talking about gardening, landscaping, or science. In everyday conversation about the park or backyard, people often use the word 'bush' instead.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'tree' for every woody plant; remember that if it is short and has many stems, it is a shrub.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Short Rub'. Shrubs are 'short' plants that you might 'rub' against when walking down a garden path.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old English 'scrybb', which referred to brushwood or a place overgrown with low-growing plants.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: one shrub, two shrubs Often used with the verb 'to plant' or 'to prune'
🌍

Cultural Context

In many English-speaking cultures, having a well-manicured garden with various shrubs is a sign of home pride and status.

Quick Quiz

The gardener is using shears to cut the ____ in front of the house.

Correct!

The correct answer is: shrub

More nature words

rainforest

A1

A thick forest in a tropical area that receives a large amount of rain throughout the year. It is a dense habitat known for having many different types of plants and animals.

tundra

A1

A large, flat area of land in very cold parts of the world, such as the Arctic. In this area, the ground is frozen and there are no trees, only small plants like moss.

wetland

A1

A wetland is an area of land that is always wet or covered with shallow water. It is a very important place where many different plants and animals, like birds and frogs, live.

coral reef

A1

A coral reef is a large underwater structure made from the skeletons of small sea animals called corals. They are usually found in warm, shallow parts of the ocean and provide a home for many types of fish.

vegetation

A1

Vegetation refers to all the plants and trees that grow in a particular area. It is used to describe the green cover of the earth, like forests or grass.

foliage

A1

Foliage refers to the leaves of a plant or tree, considered as a group. It is often used to describe the overall appearance and mass of greenery in a landscape or forest.

canopy

A1

A canopy is a cover that hangs over something, like a bed or a seat, to provide shade or protection. In nature, it is the top layer of a forest where the branches and leaves of tall trees meet to form a roof.

photosynthesis

A1

Photosynthesis is the natural process that green plants use to make their own food. They use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create energy and release oxygen into the air.

pollination

A1

Pollination is the process of moving pollen from one flower to another to help plants make seeds and fruit. This is usually done by insects like bees or by the wind.

seedling

A1

A seedling is a very young plant that has just started to grow from a seed. It usually has a small green stem and its first few tiny leaves.

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