cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs 

plural cacti ˈkak-ˌtī 

-(ˌ)tē

or cactuses also cactus

: any of a family (Cactaceae, the cactus family) of plants that have succulent stems and branches with scales or spines instead of leaves and are found especially in dry areas (such as deserts)

Examples of cactus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here in the dry desert, among the saguaro cactuses and tumbleweeds, investigators found a different culprit: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, commonly known as the brown dog tick, a species that thrives on the reservation. —Pien Huang, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025

Along with these powerful ingredients, it’s formulated with honey, cactus extract, and ginger to soothe the skin. —Sarah Han, Allure, 7 Jan. 2025

The tint, inspired by that post-facial glow, is packed with moisturizing, plumping, and reparative ingredients like sodium hyaluronate (a derivative of hyaluronic acid), peptides, ceramides, cactus extract, squalane, and sheer pigments. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2024

Arizona is known nationally for its cactuses, heat and deserts, but the state is also home to a town named Snowflake. —Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, cardoon, from Greek kaktos

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cactus

• barrel cactus
• cactus wren
• Christmas cactus
• giant cactus
• organ pipe cactus
• prickly pear cactus
• queen of the night cactus
• rattail cactus

Kids Definition

cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs 

plural cacti -ˌtī 

-(ˌ)tē

or cactuses also cactus

: any of a large family of flowering plants able to live in dry regions and having fleshy stems and branches that bear scales or prickles instead of leaves