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Dutch elm

Dutch elm

7.0
A tree from two kinds of elm grown for shade in parks and gardens
  • noun
  • /dʌtʃ ɛlm/
translation icon : olmo holandés
  • The Dutch elm is a beautiful tree that provides ample shade during the summer months.
  • Dutch elm disease

Examples

  • Many parks plant Dutch elms to enhance their landscapes and offer cooling spots for visitors.

  • Our town decided to replace the aging trees with new Dutch elms for better resilience against diseases.

  • Due to disease resistance, the Dutch elm is a popular choice for urban landscaping.

  • Gardeners admire the graceful shape of the Dutch elm in both large parks and small yards.

  • The city planted several Dutch elm trees along the boulevard for their broad canopies.

  • Look at that stunning Dutch elm in the garden!

  • The Dutch elm is known for its beautiful foliage.

Synonyms

elm
vsDutch elm
16 1.6

A large tree with broad leaves that gives shade

is a hybrid ornamental variant valued more for looks and shade use
elm tree
vsDutch elm
3 2.1

A large tree with broad leaves and strong wood often planted in parks and streets for shade

is a specific hybrid grown for ornament and variable size rather than timber
Ulmus hollandica
vsDutch elm
  • Specialized
9.9

A hybrid European elm tree grown to give shade and look nice

is a single hybrid tree varying in size rather than a group
Ulmus hollandica vegetata
vsDutch elm
  • Specialized
9.9

A tall hybrid elm tree grown for its attractive shape and leaves

is more varied in size and used chiefly for shade
Huntingdon elm
vsDutch elm
8.4

A tall elm tree grown for its pretty shape and leaves

is more variable in size and often used as a shade tree
European elm
vsDutch elm
  • UK
3.6

A broad, spreading tree with rough leaves that grows naturally in Europe and is often planted in parks

is a hybrid cultivated in Europe mainly as a shade tree

Surface Forms

Dutch elm singular
Dutch elms plural

Morphology

Dutch + elm

The compound is a straightforward adjective + noun (Dutch + elm) where the meaning — an elm tree associated with the Netherlands or a Dutch variety/hybrid — follows directly from the parts. This compositional pattern is cross-linguistically common and not idiomatic, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Dutch elm comes from trees first grown or developed in the Netherlands. The word Dutch ('from the Netherlands') plus elm ('a kind of tree') explains why the name means this particular hybrid elm often planted for shade in parks and streets.