greenbrier

[ green-brahy-er ]

noun

1. catbrier.

greenbrier

/ ˈɡriːnˌbraɪə /

noun

1. any of several prickly climbing plants of the liliaceous genus Smilax, esp S. rotundifolia of the eastern US, which has small green flowers and blackish berries Also calledcat brier

Word History and Origins

Origin of greenbrier¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; green + brier ¹

Example Sentences

Like a volcano, it seemed to spit forth its arrangement: a 14-foot-high foundation of gloriously twisted mountain laurel branches covered in lichen, wrapped in foraged invasive greenbrier vines.

From New York Times

Until a few weeks ago, the future launch ramp was a thicket of greenbrier, poison ivy and other undergrowth.

From Washington Times

In winter, thickets that in summer seem impenetrable jungle, virulent with poison ivy and greenbrier, become a few sticks and stalks, cleared easily, in an atmosphere of crisp transparency.

From Golf Digest

She has no interest in cultivars “bred for uniformity and performance,” preferring plants with hardscrabble souls, capable of cruelty, such as the prickly species of greenbrier known to draw blood.

From New York Times

And if you push aside the spring growth of vinca, greenbrier vines and flowering plum, you can see the names of a forgotten black community, etched in concrete or marble.

From Washington Times