Bud
/bʌd/
Definitions
3 meaningsAn undeveloped flower or leaf.
/bʌd/
An undeveloped or embryonic shoot, especially one in the axil of a leaf.
The tree is full of buds.
💡 Simply: A small, unopened part of a plant that will become a flower or leaf.
More Examples
A flower bud is about to bloom.
How It's Used
"The rose bush had many tiny buds beginning to unfurl."
"The gardener carefully pruned the buds to encourage more blooms."
A promising young person.
/bʌd/
A person, especially a young person, who is regarded as having great potential.
He's a promising young bud in the company.
💡 Simply: A young person who shows potential.
More Examples
She's a real bud; watch out for her!
How It's Used
"He's a rising star; a real bud in the music industry."
To start to grow buds.
/bʌd/
To produce buds.
The rose bushes are budding.
💡 Simply: To begin to grow new leaves or flowers.
More Examples
The trees are budding in spring.
How It's Used
"The apple trees are beginning to bud."
Idioms & expressions
in the bud
In the early stages of development.
"His career is still in the bud."
From Middle English *budde, from Old English *budda, of unknown origin. Possibly related to Old Norse *botn ('bottom, base').
The word 'bud' has been used in English since at least the 14th century, primarily in its botanical sense.
Memory tip
Think of a baby flower or leaf!