Definition

A type of plant that grows by trailing or twining around other plants, often with bell-shaped flowers and can be considered a weed.

Example

The garden was overrun with bindweed, making it difficult for other plants to thrive.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a garden overrun by bindweed?

Yeah, it can really take over if you're not careful.

I read that it can choke out other plants too.

Exactly! It's tough to deal with once it gets established.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bindweed is formed from "bind" (from Old English "bindan", meaning to tie or fasten) and "weed" (from Old English "wēod", meaning a plant or herb). The word "bindweed" refers to a plant that ties or wraps around other plants or structures.

Memory Tip

Think of a plant that 'ties' ('bind') itself around other plants, which is why it's called bindweed.

Visually Confused Words