n. & v.
n. 1 esp. Brit. a piece of ground, usu. partly grassed and adjoining a private house, used for growing flowers, fruit, or vegetables, and as a place of recreation. 2 (esp. in pl.) ornamental grounds laid out for public enjoyment (botanical gardens). 3 a similar place with the service of refreshments (tea garden). 4 (attrib.) a (of plants) cultivated, not wild. b for use in a garden (garden seat). 5 (usu. in pl. prec. by a name) Brit. a street, square, etc. (Onslow Gardens). 6 an especially fertile region. 7 US a large public hall. 8 (the Garden) the philosophy or school of Epicurus.
v.intr. cultivate or work in a garden. garden centre an establishment where plants and garden equipment etc. are sold. garden city an industrial or other town laid out systematically with spacious surroundings, parks, etc. garden cress a cruciferous plant, Lepidium sativum, used in salads. garden party a social event held on a lawn or in a garden. garden suburb Brit. a suburb laid out spaciously with open spaces, parks, etc. garden warbler a European woodland songbird, Sylvia borin. gardenesque adj. gardening n.
[ ME f. ONF gardin (OF jardin) ult. f. Gmc: cf. YARD(2) ]