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

To see even more wild locals, cruise the Dora Canal, a verdant passage bordered by cypress trees and home to otters, herons, wood ducks, egrets, and more. —Susan Hall Mahon, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2025

For a thorough immersion into the unique flora of the region, a trip to Alerce Andino National Park allows guests to hike beneath towering Patagonian cypress trees, all while keeping an eye out for native mammals like the southern pudú, a tiny, forest-dwelling deer. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Out of the core seven releases, my favorite, Winter Saga, is an intoxicating blend of ginger, Japanese cypress, and musk, evoking the serene feeling of a crisp walk through a pine forest. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2025

Aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects are particularly fond of lemon cypress trees, but these pests are treatable. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2024

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