common privet

5.8

A small bush with dense leaves often used to make hedges

noun
/ˈkɑːmən ˈprɪvɪt/

: aligustre común

The garden was bordered by a neatly trimmed common privet hedge.

Examples

She planted several common privet shrubs to create privacy around the patio.
Birds often use common privet for nesting because of its dense foliage.
The garden was bordered by common privet hedges.
Many homeowners choose common privets for their privacy.
Birds often use common privet for nesting because of its dense foliage.
She planted several common privet shrubs to create privacy around the patio.
The garden was bordered by a neatly trimmed common privet hedge.

Synonyms

privet

vscommon privet

2 8.1

A dense bush with small white flowers and black berries often used as a hedge

is the specific species commonly used for formal hedges in gardens and parks

Ligustrum vulgare

vscommon privet

Specialized

9.1

A bush often grown for hedges with dark leaves, white flowers, and berries

is the everyday garden name rather than the formal scientific label

Surface Forms

common privet singular

common privets plural

Morphology

common + privet

The noun phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'common' (typical) simply modifies 'privet' (a shrub), so the meaning 'the typical/kind of privet shrub' is directly derivable. This compositional pattern is ordinary and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will understand the MWE.

Etymology

Common privet is a dense shrub people often plant as a hedge to make a private space. One popular idea says the name privet comes from this use, so imagining a thick hedge that gives you 'privacy' helps you remember the word.