heather
heather Lexical Profile
heather Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A low-growing evergreen shrub of the heath family (Ericaceae), especially Calluna vulgaris, native to European moorlands and boggy soils and cultivated for its dense clusters of small, bell-shaped purple, pink, or white flowers.
"In late summer, the Scottish hills are blanketed in blooming purple heather."
A muted grayish-purple or pinkish-lavender shade, or a fabric weave incorporating flecks of various colors to create a soft, speckled appearance.
"She knitted a warm winter scarf using a yarn in a soft shade of heather."
• adjective
Having a muted purplish-pink color or a speckled appearance woven from mixed-color yarns, resembling blooming moorland heather.
"He wore a comfortable heather gray sweatshirt over his collared shirt."
• Rhymes for heather
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in 14th-century Scots as 'haddyr', likely altered by association with the Old English word 'hæth' (heath, untended wasteland), referring to the shrub's typical moorland habitat.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.