greenery
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡrˈiːnəri/
US
- /ˈɡrinəri/
Description
- Plants
- Foliage
- Vegetation
Greenery is not just about the color green. It means plant life around us, especially leaves and growing plants that make a place feel fresh and alive. You might notice it in a forest, a garden, a park, or even a few houseplants brightening a room. The word is often used for decorative plants, but it can also mean the natural plant cover in an area. A traveler might admire the rich greenery of a rainforest, while a designer might add some greenery to make a plain room feel warmer. People also use it when talking about places that feel empty or harsh, where a lack of plant life makes the space seem cold.
The word "greenery" refers to green plants and vegetation as a group. It brings to mind leaves, stems, and growing things, whether they appear in a wide natural landscape or in a small, carefully designed space. We often use it for forests, gardens, parks, and other places filled with plant life, but it can also describe decorative plants used indoors or at events.
In everyday English, the word often suggests freshness, life, and natural beauty. Someone might talk about the lush greenery of a tropical island, the thick greenery along a hiking trail, or the soft greenery that makes an office feel more welcoming. In design, it is common to use the word for potted plants, leafy decorations, or simple plant arrangements that bring a touch of nature into a room.
But the word is not only about beauty. It can also simply describe how much plant life an area has. A city with many trees and gardens may be praised for its greenery, while a dry or heavily built-up place may be described as having very little greenery. Overall, the word points to the living plant cover that makes places look softer, healthier, and more connected to nature.
Examples
- 1
Balcony plants
Their balcony is full of greenery, so it feels cooler in summer.
- 2
Desk plants
A few small plants can add some greenery to your desk.
Grammar
greenery is usually uncountable: say "some greenery", not "a greenery"
- 3
Hotel setting
The hotel is surrounded by tropical greenery.
- 4
Urban planting
The city has been planting more greenery along busy roads and near schools.
- 5
Seasonal change
After a long winter, it was nice to see greenery in the parks again.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- greenerynoun