WordGarden.ioshrubbery
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃrˈʌbəri/
US
- /ˈʃrəbəri/
Meanings
Noun
shrubs collectively or a planted area of bushes
Beyond the definition
Shrubbery isn't just about pretty gardens. It refers to a group or area of shrubs, usually growing close together. Think of the kind of leafy cover you might see along a garden path, around a large house, or at the edge of a park. It can look neat and carefully shaped, or thick and a little wild.
The word brings to mind gardens, yards, and green spaces with a lot of bushy growth. You might describe a place as having "lush shrubbery," or picture someone hiding in the "dense shrubbery" beside a path. It is not usually one single bush; it suggests several shrubs together, making a clear part of the scene.
Shrubbery refers to a dense planting of shrubs—woody plants that are smaller than trees and generally have multiple stems rather than a single trunk. These plants can range from flowering varieties like roses and hydrangeas to evergreen options like boxwood and juniper. In landscaping, shrubbery is a versatile element used for privacy, decoration, or as a natural barrier.
The term isn't limited to neatly trimmed hedges; it also covers wilder, more overgrown areas of bushes. Think of the tangled growth beside a woodland path or the carefully planned borders around a formal garden. In both cases, it is the grouping and density of the plants that give the landscape its character.
The word also has a famous place in pop culture thanks to the comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. In one well-known scene, King Arthur is told to bring "a shrubbery" to a group of eccentric knights. Because of that scene, the word can sometimes carry a playful, humorous feeling that goes beyond its usual garden meaning.
So, whether you're admiring the carefully manicured hedges of a stately home, navigating a wild garden path, or quoting cult-classic cinema, shrubbery evokes images of leafy density, natural beauty, and sometimes, delightfully ridiculous quests.
Examples
- 1
Garden area
A narrow path led through the shrubbery to the back of the house.
- 2
Animal hiding
The cat disappeared into the shrubbery as soon as it heard the dog bark.
- 3
Hotel entrance
Every spring, they hire someone to trim the shrubbery around the hotel entrance.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- dense shrubbery
- ornamental shrubbery
- hide in the shrubbery
Word family
Explore
- landscaping
- groundcover
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- shrubberynoun
Forms
- shrubberiespluralnoun