Definition

Referring to plants or trees that have wide, flat leaves rather than needle-like or scale-like leaves.

Example

The broadleaf trees in the forest provide shade during the hot summer months.

Conversation

I saw some amazing plants in the garden yesterday.

Really? What kind were they?

There were these beautiful broadleaf plants that caught my eye.

That sounds lovely! I love the variety in gardens.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Broadleaf → It is formed from "broad" (from Old English "brād", meaning wide) and "leaf" (from Old English "leāf", meaning leaf). The word "broadleaf" refers to a type of tree or plant that has wide leaves.

Memory Tip

Think of 'wide' ('broad') and 'leaf' — a broadleaf is a plant with wide leaves.

Visually Confused Words