evergreen

[ ev-er-green ]

adjective

1. (of trees, shrubs, etc.) having green leaves throughout the entire year, the leaves of the past season not being shed until after the new foliage has been completely formed.
2. retaining its relevance, popularity, usefulness, etc.; enduring:

   Some toys are evergreen favorites.

3. Law. (of a contract or contract clause) specifying automatic renewal at the end of the term.

noun

1. an evergreen plant.
2. evergreens, evergreen twigs or branches used for decoration.
3. something that is evergreen, or enduringly fresh:

   The paper publishes decorating tips or other archived evergreens on slow news days.

evergreen

/ ˈɛvəˌɡriːn /

adjective

1. See deciduous
   (of certain trees and shrubs) bearing foliage throughout the year; continually shedding and replacing leaves Compare deciduous
2. remaining fresh and vital

noun

1. an evergreen tree or shrub

evergreen

/ ĕv′ər-grēn′ /

Adjective

1. Having green leaves or needles all year. Evergreen trees lose their leaves individually on an ongoing basis, rather than losing all of them in a short period at the end of a growing season in the manner of deciduous trees.
2. Compare deciduous

Noun

1. An evergreen tree, shrub, or plant, such as the pine, holly, or rhododendron.

Word History and Origins

Origin of evergreen¹

First recorded in 1545–55; ever + green

Example Sentences

This is a moral and legal imperative for us, and it is an evergreen priority.

From Washington Post

As the last leaf of autumn floats to the ground, the burden of carrying the garden through the winter falls to evergreens.

From Washington Post

This list includes deciduous and evergreen tree species found in cool climates down to warmer tropical latitudes.

From Popular-Science

An evergreen feature like this could open up further monetization opportunities, particularly around social commerce, once it is opened up to advertisers.

From Digiday

The Fifth is still essential listening because it carries an evergreen message of being unafraid to pursue the light during periods of darkness.

From Vox

In Europe, of course, memories of the Great War are evergreen.

From The Daily Beast

Is the Evergreen state—and those that may follow—ready for the green light?

From The Daily Beast

But despite millions in state funding and tax breaks, Evergreen shipped the bulk of its operations to China.

From The Daily Beast

Often compared to Diane Von Furstenberg, it is regarded as an “evergreen” brand, and one largely unfazed by passing trends.

From The Daily Beast

The president said that a BP “evergreen” escrow would be set up for claims and will be managed by a third party.

From The Daily Beast

He went backwards, sailing through the air, to land in the evergreen bed.

From Project Gutenberg

A pair of persistent song sparrows, building in an evergreen by the brook, kept up a steady song.

From Project Gutenberg

Above the center, in amongst the evergreen wreaths, was a shining star made by jets of gas.

From Project Gutenberg

This is known as the "deciduous" habit, and such trees are called deciduous trees, in distinction from "evergreen" trees.

From Project Gutenberg

Across the top of the large mirror he saw "Welcome," in letters of evergreen, and a chorus of "Many happy returns!"

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fir
• hedge
• pine