heather

heath-er · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A low-growing evergreen shrub with small purple, pink, or white bell-shaped flowers, found commonly on moors and heaths.

  2. 2.

    A light purple or pinkish-purple color, like that of heather flowers.

  3. 3.

    A given name, typically feminine.

Forms

plural: heathers

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    heather gray — a muted grayish-purple color
  • •
    set the heather on fire — (Scottish) to cause a sensation or stir

Related words

See also: flower, heath, moor, purple
Synonyms: heath, ling

Etymology

From Middle English hather, related to Old English haeth ("heath"). The plant grows abundantly on heathland, giving it its name.