What is the difference between a tree and a bush?

A tree is usually taller and has one main trunk. A bush is smaller and has several stems from the base.

Is tree countable or uncountable?

Tree is countable. You can say one tree, two trees, many trees.

Can tree mean something other than a plant?

Yes. It can mean a diagram or structure, like a family tree.

← Dictionary

tree

/triː/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A tree is a tall plant with a trunk, branches, and leaves. It usually lives for many years and grows larger over time.

We sat under a tree.
The garden has two apple trees.
Birds were singing in the tree.

Adinary Nuance

A tree is larger and longer-lived than a bush or shrub. It usually has one main trunk, while a shrub has many stems near the ground. People also use tree in fixed phrases like family tree or decision tree, where it does not mean a real plant.

In other languages

Vietnamese: cây
Spanish: árbol
Chinese: 树
Japanese: 木
Korean: 나무

Etymology

Old English trēow, from Proto-Germanic *trewam. The word has been in English since before 1000 CE.

Common phrases

a tall treeplant a treefamily treetrees and bushes

Synonyms

plant sapling

Related words

bush shrub forest wood

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a tree and a bush?: A tree is usually taller and has one main trunk. A bush is smaller and has several stems from the base.
Is tree countable or uncountable?: Tree is countable. You can say one tree, two trees, many trees.
Can tree mean something other than a plant?: Yes. It can mean a diagram or structure, like a family tree.