What does sycomore mean?
A sycomore is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree with broad, lobed leaves and distinctive mottled bark. In British English, the name most often refers to the London plane, a common street and park tree valued for its shade, tolerance of urban conditions, and ability to withstand pollution. The word can also denote the tree’s pale, relatively lightweight wood, which is used for furniture, interior fittings, and other crafted objects. Sycomores produce clusters of small flowers followed by spherical seed heads made up of numerous fuzzy fruits. Their common name varies geographically: British speakers generally use “sycamore,” while North American speakers generally use “sycamore” for the same and related plane trees. The word is also noteworthy historically because its modern European name derives through Latin from an ancient Greek compound associated with figs and mulberries.
nounA sycomore is a large, deciduous tree of the plane-tree family, especially the London plane. The term can also refer to the light, pale wood obtained from the tree.
- Any of various deciduous trees of the plane-tree genus Platanus, especially the London plane.
- The wood of a sycamore tree.
"Rows of mature sycamores cast welcome shade over the village square."
"The old sycamore stood at the centre of the village green."
"The chairs were made from pale sycamore wood."
Use the plural for individual trees; the material is normally expressed as “sycamore wood” without a plural.
"Two sycamores stand beside the churchyard."
The sycamore carries an ancient Greek name built from words for “fig” and “mulberry,” a reminder that European names for familiar trees often preserve memories of plants from warmer climates.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sycomore come from?
The word entered Middle English through Old French from Latin sycomorus, a form of the broader European name for fig-mulberry-like trees. Latin in turn borrowed the name from ancient Greek sykómoros, commonly analyzed as a compound of sykē, “fig,” and moron, “mulberry.” The Greek name was later applied to a different tree in the Mediterranean region, and this association contributed to the modern English name for the plane tree.
How sycomore is actually used
In British English, sycomore commonly refers to the London plane. In North American usage, sycamore may refer more broadly to members of the plane-tree family, including the American sycamore.
Easily confused with sycomore
Sycomore is the usual British spelling, while sycamore is the standard North American spelling of the same tree name.