noun
woodbine
WOOD-byne/ˈwʊdˌbaɪn/
A climbing honeysuckle plant.
Woodbine climbs the garden fence and blooms in early summer.
Etymology
The combination of “wood” and “wreath” evokes honeysuckle’s winding, climbing growth. Binde is related to bind, reinforcing the image of a vine wrapping around its support.
More examples
- The sweet scent of woodbine drifts through the open window.
- We planted a woodbine beside the trellis.
- She trims the woodbine to keep it clear of the gate.
Forms
woodbine · woodbines
Similar words
- honeysuckle
- Broader name covering both climbing vines and shrubby plants.