Definition of 'burgeon'

Word Frequency

burgeon

(bɜːʳdʒən )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense burgeons , present participle burgeoning , past tense, past participle burgeoned

verb

If something burgeons, it grows or develops rapidly.

[literary]

Plants burgeon from every available space. [VERB]

My confidence began to burgeon later in life. [VERB]

...Japan's burgeoning satellite-TV industry. [VERB-ing]

Synonyms: develop, increase, grow, flower More Synonyms of burgeon

Word Frequency

burgeon in British

or bourgeon (ˈbɜːdʒən )

verb

1. (often foll by forth or out)

(of a plant) to sprout (buds)

2. (intr; often foll by forth or out)

to develop or grow rapidly; flourish

noun

a bud of a plant

Word origin of 'burgeon'

C13: from Old French burjon, perhaps ultimately from Late Latin burra shaggy cloth; from the downiness of certain buds

Word Frequency

burgeon in American

(ˈbɜrdʒən ; bʉrˈjən)

verb intransitive

to put forth buds, shoots, etc.; sprout

to grow or develop rapidly; expand; proliferate; flourish

the burgeoning suburbs

Word origin of 'burgeon'

ME burjounen < OFr burjoner < burjon, a bud < VL *burrio, a bud < LL burra, wool, shaggy garment

Example sentences containing 'burgeon'

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Under the pale blue sky the trees seemed visibly to burgeon: yesterday's bare branches swelled into bud and would be in leaf by tomorrow. Brandon, Ruth LEFT, RIGHT AND CENTRE (2001)What man in his right mind, knowing he was not long for the world, would wish it to burgeon and brighten in his absence? Clive Barker SACRAMENT (2001)