Joshua tree

noun

: a tall branched arborescent yucca (Yucca brevifolia) of arid regions of the southwestern U.S. that has clustered greenish-white flowers

Illustration of Joshua tree

Examples of Joshua tree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The stumps of dead Joshua trees jutted from the fetid ground cover, while a few others, still alive, appeared anemic and were adorned in wispy strands of plastic debris and dust. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025

While the Joshua tree is currently ubiquitous, climate models show there won’t be much suitable habitat left by the end of the century. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025

This vintage auto print opposite a Joshua tree brings major west coast appeal—it’s even recommended in our article on where to buy affordable art . —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2025

The Central District of California ruled on Monday that the FWS decision to not provide ESA protections for the Joshua tree is unlawful and sidesteps climate science. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Joshua tree

• agree
• allee
• banshee
• beastly
• bibi
• bowsprit
• carefree
• cerci
• chablis
• cowpea
• crappie
• crappy

Kids Definition

Joshua tree

noun

: a tall branched yucca of the southwestern U.S. with short leaves and clusters of greenish white flowers