banyan

noun

ban·​yan ˈban-yən 

-ˌyan

plural banyans

: a large fig tree (Ficus benghalensis) native to India and Pakistan that starts as an epiphyte and has spreading branches which send out aerial roots that grow down to the ground and form secondary trunks around the host tree

The banyan kills the host tree by preventing its trunk from growing. After the host dies, the banyan continues to grow. Eventually, one tree appears to be an entire forest.

—National Geographic World

Illustration of banyan

Examples of banyan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Designed by renowned landscape architect Bill Bensley, these 20 acres of palm and banyan trees and exotic brightly colored flowers, dotted with secluded villa retreats, are among the most striking on the island. —Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024

There will still be an outdoor brick courtyard replete with that majestic banyan tree and full bar, but diners can now enjoy Sunny’s rain-or-shine in the indoor mid-century modern space. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 30 Sep. 2024

The 3,000-square-foot outdoor dining area is still centered around the banyan tree, and remains simple, but slightly updated thanks to new plush upholstery and still-white tablecloths. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024

The city’s iconic banyan tree, damaged but recuperating, remains off-limits. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

earlier banyan Gujarati trader, from Portuguese banean, probably from Tamil vāniyan trader, from Sanskrit vāṇija; from a tree of the species in Iran under which such traders conducted business

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

banyan

noun

ban·​yan ˈban-yən 

: a large East Indian tree with branches that send out roots which grow downward into the ground and form new supporting trunks