cypress

1 of 2

noun (1)

cy·​press ˈsī-prəs 

1

a(1)

: any of a genus (Cupressus of the family Cupressaceae, the cypress family) of evergreen trees and shrubs with small overlapping leaves resembling scales

(2)

: any of several coniferous trees of the cypress family or the bald cypress family

especially : bald cypress sense 1

b

: the wood of a cypress tree

2

: branches of cypress used as a symbol of mourning

cypress

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a silk or cotton usually black gauze formerly used for mourning

Examples of cypress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Kosta Browne attained a 30-year lease on it and it is tucked away among massive redwoods and bordered by striking cypress trees. —Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

In one study from 2009, his team ordered special concentrated essential oils made from Japanese cypress trees and then pumped them into the hotel rooms of test subjects using a diffuser. —Malaka Gharib, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025

Plant extracts like cypress leaf and skullcap help control oil production to stave off future congestion, while a blend of clarifying willow bark extract and salicylic acid helps break down dead skin cells within the pore to leave them looking clearer, tighter, and smaller. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2025

Paddlers can wind their way via canoe or kayak through Cane Bayou, surrounded by cypress trees, turtles, waterfowl, and other creatures. —Casey Barber, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English cipres, from Anglo-French ciprès, from Latin cyparissus, from Greek kyparissos

Noun (2)

Middle English ciprus, cipres, from Cyprus, Mediterranean island

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cypress

• bald cypress
• cypress vine
• Monterey cypress
• summer cypress

Kids Definition

cypress

noun

cy·​press

ˈsī-prəs

1

: any of a genus of evergreen trees and shrubs that are related to the pines and have overlapping scalelike leaves

2

: bald cypress

3

: the wood of a cypress tree

Geographical Definition

Cypress

geographical name

Cy·​press ˈsī-prəs 

city in southwestern California southeast of Los Angeles population 47,802