perennial

Pluralperennials

1. 1
   adjective

   Of a plant, living for more than two years and usually growing back every spring.

   Lavender is a perennial plant, so it comes back every spring.

   We filled the window box with perennial herbs like mint and chives.

   Oppositeannual, biennial

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   A plant that lives for more than two years and grows back again each year.

   Peonies are perennials that bloom again every spring.

   This perennial comes back every year without being replanted.

   UsagePeople often say hardy perennial for one that lives through winter.

   Oppositeannual, biennial

   Note
3. 3
   adjectivefiguratively

   Happening again and again, often every year, so it seems it will never stop.

   Money is a perennial worry for many families.

   His jokes are a perennial favorite at the town talent show.

   UsageOften in perennial favorite or perennial problem.

   Similarrecurring, perpetual, constant, persistent, chronic

   Note
4. 4
   adjective

   Lasting all year, for many years, or all the time.

   This perennial stream has water in it even in the hottest summer.

   Deep in the cave there is a perennial chill, even in the middle of summer.

   Similarpermanent, year-round, constant

   Oppositeseasonal, intermittent, ephemeral

   Note
5. 5
   nouncountable

   A person or thing that keeps coming back or stays around for a very long time.

   Potholes are a spring perennial in this city.

   The old singer is a perennial at the state fair.

   UsageSay a festival perennial for someone who comes back every year.

   Similarfixture, staple

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