honeysuckle

Definition

Any of the many species of arching shrubs and climbing vines of the genus Lonicera in the Caprifoliaceae family, many with sweet smelling, bell-shaped flowers.

Etymology

From Middle English honysokel, honisokel, honysocle, hunisuccle, perhaps an alteration of Middle English honysoke, honysouke (“honeysuckle”) (whence honeysuck), from Old English huniġsūce, huniġsūge (“honeysuckle”); equivalent to honey + suck + -le, or honeysuck + -le.

Example Sentences

• "There was nothing of that luxuriance of blossom which had hitherto clothed the wood, for there were no hawthorns; but the bog-myrtle imparted its tender fragrance, and the caressing honeysuckle wound round many an ancient trunk, odours exhaling from every fairy-like tube—fit trumpets for the heralds of Titania."
• "Bothered by the conviction of making no impression on her, he pulled up at a strip of road shaded by tall spotted gums, blackbutt, and honeysuckle, and produced a packet of cigarettes. "About time for a smoke-O," he said, "Have a fag, Cora.""

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