What does "honeysuckle" mean?
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.
Honeysuckle
/ˈhʌnɪsʌk(ə)l/ name, noun
name, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: 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.
- Grammar: honeysuckle is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: aquilegia canadensis, aroma, australian honeysuckle, banksia integrifolia.
- Useful contrasts: nonclimbing plant, odorless.
- Usage evidence: Nowhere more altered, perhaps, about a hundred years ago, than in one little orchard attached to an old stone house with a honeysuckle porch.
How to use "honeysuckle"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "honeysuckle" 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 "honeysuckle" 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 "honeysuckle" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "honeysuckle" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- 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 "honeysuckle" is acting as name, noun 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 "aquilegia canadensis" 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.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "honeysuckle", 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 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. countable, uncountable
"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."
- 2 columbine of eastern North America having long-spurred red flowers wordnet
- 3 Any of several species of superficially similar plants from Australia countable, uncountable
"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.""
- 4 shrubby tree with silky foliage and spikes of cylindrical yellow nectarous flowers wordnet
- 5 Any of several species of superficially similar plants from Australia; Banksia aquilonia (northern banksia) countable, uncountable
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 shrub or vine of the genus Lonicera wordnet
- 7 Any of several species of superficially similar plants from Australia; Banksia integrifolia (coast banksia) countable, uncountable
- 8 Any of several species of superficially similar plants from Australia; Banksia marginata (silver banksia) countable, uncountable
- 9 Any of several species of superficially similar plants from Australia; Banksia serrata (red honeysuckle) countable, uncountable
- 10 Any of several species of superficially similar plants from Australia; Lambertia multiflora (many-flowered honeysuckle) countable, uncountable
Proper Noun
- 1 A female given name.
- 2 A suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
nonclimbing plantodorless
Example
"Nowhere more altered, perhaps, about a hundred years ago, than in one little orchard attached to an old stone house with a honeysuckle porch."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "honeysuckle"?
Common synonyms include: aquilegia canadensis, aroma, australian honeysuckle, banksia integrifolia, climbing plant, coast banksia.
How do you use "honeysuckle" in a sentence?
Nowhere more altered, perhaps, about a hundred years ago, than in one little orchard attached to an old stone house with a honeysuckle porch.
How do you pronounce "honeysuckle"?
Pronounced /ˈhʌnɪsʌk(ə)l/.
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.