Definition

Noun: 1. A type of hawthorn tree: Refers specifically to a North American hawthorn tree (Crataegus mollis or similar species) known for having stems and leaves densely covered with short, woolly hairs. 2. The fruit of this tree: Refers to the small, red, apple-like pome fruit produced by this hawthorn tree.

Usage Notes

• "Red haw" is a common name used primarily in North America for specific hawthorn species and their fruit.
• It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).
• The term is often used in botanical, horticultural, or regional naturalist contexts.

Examples

• The red haw is a small tree often found in thickets and open woods.
• In autumn, the red haws provide an important food source for birds and wildlife.
• You can identify the red haw by the fine, fuzzy hairs on its young stems and leaves.

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier: The term can be used attributively to describe related things.
  • The red haw tree in my yard is blooming.
  • We made jelly from red haw fruit.

Variants and Related Words

• Hawthorn (n): The general name for trees and shrubs of the genus , to which the red haw belongs.
• Haw (n): A common shortening for hawthorn or its fruit. "Red haw" is a more specific type of haw.

Different Meanings

The term "red haw" is specific to botany and has no other common, distinct meanings in general English. It consistently refers to the tree or its fruit.

Synonyms

• Downy hawthorn: Another common name for , referring to the same "woolly" or hairy characteristic.
• Red hawthorn: A direct synonym.

Idioms

There are no common idioms specifically using the term "red haw."

Phrasal Verbs

There are no phrasal verbs using "red haw."

Noun

1. American red-fruited hawthorn with stems and leaves densely covered with short woolly hairs
2. American red-fruited hawthorn with dense corymbs of pink-red flowers