linden

IPA/ˈlɪndən/
KK[lˈɪndən]IPA/ˈlɪndən/

linden — noun

  • lindensingular
  • lindensplural

1. A tall tree with heart-shaped green leaves and small, sweet-smelling yellow flow

1.nounB1
Definition

A tall tree with heart-shaped green leaves and small, sweet-smelling yellow flowers, often planted in gardens or along streets for shade.

Example

A row of tall linden trees lined the street, casting cool shade in summer.

collocation: a row of linden trees / linden trees lined [street]

Lien sat under a linden tree, enjoying its shade and sweet-smelling blossoms.

Common collocations
  • linden tree lined [street/path]
  • under a linden tree
  • linden tree provides shade
  • heart-shaped leaves of the linden
Synonyms
  • lime tree

    common British name for the same tree; not related to the citrus fruit

  • basswood

    North American name, especially for Tilia americana

  • tilia

    botanical genus name used in academic or gardening contexts

2. The pale, lightweight timber that comes from the linden tree, valued for its eve

2.nounB2
Definition

The pale, lightweight timber that comes from the linden tree, valued for its even grain and often used for carving, making boxes, and building furniture.

Example

Hamza used a block of linden wood to carve a small bird for his daughter.

collocation: a block of linden wood

These picture frames are made of linden wood, which is soft and easy to shape.

passive: are made from linden wood

Common collocations
  • linden wood is soft
  • carved from linden wood
  • made of linden wood
  • block of linden wood
  • linden-wood [object]
Synonyms
  • basswood

    common North American name for the same wood, especially in woodworking contexts

Usage Note

This sense refers only to the wood as a material. When describing an object made of linden, the compound form 'linden-wood' is commonly used as an adjective (e.g., a linden-wood carving).

Common Mistakes

The table is made of linden' (vague).
The table is made of linden wood.
'linden' alone usually means the tree; specify 'linden wood' for the material.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Linden is the most common English name for trees of the genus Tilia. In British English, the same tree is called a 'lime tree,' though it is unrelated to the citrus lime. 'Basswood' is the standard North American name, especially for Tilia americana, and is used both for the tree and its wood in woodworking contexts. 'Tilia' is the botanical genus name and appears mainly in scientific or gardening writing. For everyday conversation, choose 'linden' or, in the UK, 'lime tree'; in the US, 'basswood' is also common when referring to the wood. For example: 'We sat under a large linden in the park' sounds natural everywhere, while 'basswood carves beautifully' would be typical of an American woodworker.

lime treebasswood ↗tilia

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • a row of linden trees
  • carved from linden wood

Prepositions

Etymology

Proto-GermanicOld EnglishEnglish

The word 'linden' comes from Old English 'linde,' meaning the linden tree, and can be traced back through Proto-Germanic '*lindō' to a root that likely refers to flexibility — a quality that suits the tree's soft, workable wood. The spelling changed from 'lind' to 'linden' over time, with the '-en' suffix originally marking the tree itself (similar to 'golden' or 'wooden'). The British name 'lime tree' is an altered form of the same Old English root.

First known use

1577

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1