What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tumbleweed
Example
The tumbleweed rolled across the empty highway. [tumbleweed: noun]
Example
After losing his job, he became a tumbleweed, drifting from place to place. [tumbleweed: metaphorical use]
Example
The project was a tumbleweed, forgotten and left to wither away. [tumbleweed: metaphorical use]
bush
Example
The hiker got lost in the dense bush. [bush: noun]
Example
The backyard was filled with colorful flowering bushes. [bushes: plural noun]
Example
He was known for his conservative views and support of the bush doctrine. [bush: metaphorical use]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bush is a more common word than tumbleweed in everyday language, as it has a wider range of uses and is not limited to a specific environment or context.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tumbleweed and bush?
Bush is a more formal word than tumbleweed, as it is often used in political or academic contexts. Tumbleweed is more informal and is often associated with Western movies or cowboy culture.