What does "evergreen" mean?
A shrub or tree that does not shed its leaves or needles seasonally.
Evergreen
/ˈɛvəɡɹiːn/ adj, name, noun, verb, slang
adj, name, noun, verb, slang ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A shrub or tree that does not shed its leaves or needles seasonally.
- Grammar: evergreen is listed as adj, name, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: evergreen plant, abiding, age-long, aged.
- Useful contrasts: seasonable, urgent, deciduous.
- Usage evidence: Evergreen wreaths are Christmasy, but credit cards are Christmasier.
How to use "evergreen"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "evergreen" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "evergreen" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "evergreen" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "evergreen" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "evergreen" is acting as adj, name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "evergreen plant" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "evergreen", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A shrub or tree that does not shed its leaves or needles seasonally.
"The lawn before them was gay with evergreens, relieved by the first few flowers and fresh turf of the reviving Spring; […]"
- 2 a plant having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year wordnet
- 3 A conifer tree. informal, specifically
"The spruce and fir trees crowded to the track on each side to welcome us, the arbor- vitae, with its changing leaves, prompted us to make haste, and the sight of the canoe-birch gave us spirits to do so. Sometimes an evergreen just fallen lay across the track with its rich burden of cones, looking, still, fuller of life than our trees in the most favorable positions."
- 4 A news story that can be published or broadcast at any time. informal
Verb
- 1 To extend the term of a patent beyond the normal legal limit, usually through repeated small modifications.
- 2 To set the repayment rate of a loan at or below the interest rate, so low that the principal will never be repaid.
Adjective
- 1 Of plants, especially trees, that do not shed their leaves seasonally. not-comparable
"Near-synonym: nondeciduous"
- 2 Continually fresh or self-renewing.; Being a clause which causes an automatic renewal of a contract unless action is taken. figuratively, not-comparable, often
- 3 Continually fresh or self-renewing.; Of a document, a piece of software, or a data set: kept continually up to date (as opposed to being published at regular intervals and outdated in the meantime) figuratively, not-comparable, often
"Chrome and Firefox are evergreen browsers: they update automatically and version numbers are only used for internal reference."
- 4 Suitable for transmission at any time; not urgent or time-dependent. not-comparable
"Another change in the news was emphasis on “evergreen” features involving attractive children or animals, parades or fireworks, as well as local developments."
Adjective
- 1 (of plants and shrubs) bearing foliage throughout the year wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A rural town and locality in the Toowoomba Region, Queensland, Australia.
- 2 A neighbourhood of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- 3 A neighbourhood of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
- 4 A neighbourhood of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
- 5 A city, the county seat of Conecuh County, Alabama, United States.
Show 20 more definitions
- 6 An unincorporated community in Autauga County, Alabama, United States.
- 7 A ghost town in Los Angeles County, California, United States.
- 8 A neighborhood and district of San Jose, California, United States.
- 9 A census-designated place in Jefferson County, Colorado, United States.
- 10 An unincorporated community in Nassau County, Florida, United States.
- 11 A town in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, United States.
- 12 A neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
- 13 A village in Laclede County, Missouri, United States.
- 14 An unincorporated community and census-designated place in Flathead County, Montana, United States.
- 15 An unincorporated community and census-designated place in Tatums Township, Columbus County, North Carolina, United States.
- 16 An unincorporated community in Ransom Township, Columbus County, North Carolina, United States.
- 17 An unincorporated community in Gallia County, Ohio, United States.
- 18 An unincorporated community in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States.
- 19 An unincorporated community in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, United States.
- 20 A neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee, United States.
- 21 An unincorporated community in Appomattox County, Virginia, United States.
- 22 An unincorporated community in Upshur County, West Virginia, United States.
- 23 A town in Langlade County, Wisconsin, United States.
- 24 A former census-designated place in Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States, now part of the village of Kronenwetter.
- 25 A town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States.
Antonyms
Example
"Evergreen wreaths are Christmasy, but credit cards are Christmasier."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "evergreen"?
Common synonyms include: evergreen plant, abiding, age-long, aged, amphibian, ancient.
How do you use "evergreen" in a sentence?
Evergreen wreaths are Christmasy, but credit cards are Christmasier.
How do you pronounce "evergreen"?
Pronounced /ˈɛvəɡɹiːn/.
Etymology
From ever + green.