palmetto

noun

pal·​met·​to pal-ˈme-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce palmetto (audio)
 also  pä-,
päl-,
pȯ-,
pȯl-
plural palmettos or palmettoes
1
: any of several usually low-growing fan-leaved palms
especially : cabbage palmetto
2
: strips of the leaf blade of a palmetto used in weaving

Illustration of palmetto

Illustration of palmetto
  • palmetto 1

Examples of palmetto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This antioxidant-rich cocktail of biotin, pro-vitamin B5, coconut oil, and extracts from saw palmetto berries and loquat fruit not only plumps strands with moisture for a thicker hair look but promotes shine and glossiness, creating a more reflective finish. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Feb. 2025 South Carolina islands have palmetto trees growing alongside ferns and pine trees. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2025 South Carolina’s palm, the Sabal palmetto, arrived in L.A. late in the 19th century, and a striking example grew at Fourth and Main in present-day downtown. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2025 Feral hogs are found throughout the state, from the Everglades in the south to Panhandle palmetto swamps and forests. Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for palmetto

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish palmito, from palma palm, from Latin

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of palmetto was in 1615

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Palmetto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palmetto. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

palmetto

noun
pal·​met·​to pal-ˈmet-ō How to pronounce palmetto (audio)
plural palmettos or palmettoes
: any of several usually low-growing palms with fan-shaped leaves
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!