Meaning & use
linden tree
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
A large tree with heart-shaped leaves and small yellow flowers that smell sweet.
Grammar: Countable; can be used with 'a' or in the plural.
Patterns
- a linden tree
- linden trees
- under a linden tree
The park is famous for its old linden trees that provide shade in summer.
We sat under a linden tree and enjoyed the fragrance of its flowers.
The linden tree in front of the house blooms every June.
Word forms
| plural | linden trees |
|---|
Common combinations
- linden tree flowers
- Linden tree flowers are often used to make tea.
- under a linden tree
- They had a picnic under a linden tree.
- linden tree wood
- Linden tree wood is soft and easy to carve.
- a row of linden trees
- The avenue is lined with a row of linden trees.
Synonyms and how they differ
- basswood
- The common name for the same tree in North America; 'linden' is more common in Europe.
- lime tree
- In British English, the tree is often called a lime tree, but this can be confused with the citrus tree.
Word family
- linden noun
- The tree itself, or the wood from it.
Commonly confused: linden tree or lime tree?
linden tree vs lime tree
In British English, 'lime tree' can refer to the linden tree, but in American English, it usually means a citrus tree.
Practice
What is a linden tree?
Choose one answer.
A linden tree is known for its heart-shaped leaves and sweet-smelling flowers. Option 1 describes a citrus tree, option 2 a pine, and option 3 is incorrect because linden trees do not grow in deserts.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “linden tree”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.