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

To achieve a product that offers poreless, glowing results, the Detox Mask is formulated with rare, Eastern botanical ingredients like cleansing and skin-tightening Thanaka wood, hydrating cactus extract, and acne-soothing marigold extract. —Abby Dupes, StyleCaster, 5 Sep. 2025

Little more than cactus was growing on the mountain slopes, and the ground was littered with small, sharp fragments of gray limestone. —Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025

Falling Saguaros and pollinators in peril From license plates to postcards, there are few Arizona symbols as iconic as the saguaro cactus. —John Leos, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025

One of the most interesting parts of this build is that all nine of the succulents are inspired by actual plants including Aloe vera, lavender echeveria, and moon cactus. —Izzy Baskette, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for cactus

• actus
• practice
• practise
• tractus
• malpractice

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