English · Word Candidate

heather

/ˈhɛðə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: heathers

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An evergreen plant, Calluna vulgaris, with spiky leaves and small purple, pink, or white flowers.

Noun

Examples

The cutting sides were gay with heather in bloom, and masses of dainty Scots bluebells, while patches of clear sky overhead were bringing life and colour to the sea.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A plant in the family Ericaceae.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Of a purple colour with a tint of pink and blue.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “heather” mean?

An evergreen plant, Calluna vulgaris, with spiky leaves and small purple, pink, or white flowers.

Is “heather” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.