Spanish moss

noun

: an epiphytic plant (Tillandsia usneoides) of the pineapple family forming pendent tufts of grayish-green filaments on trees from the southern U.S. to Argentina

Illustration of Spanish moss

Examples of Spanish moss in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This serene lake, filled with water lilies and cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, is part of the Cypress Island Nature Preserve—a thriving ecosystem that supports thousands of nesting birds each spring. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2025

Outdoors, the grounds span an acre and host live oak trees draped in Spanish moss and a freeform pool surrounded by a sundeck. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2025

Here, breathtaking views and moments of quiet contemplation amid the pine forests and Spanish moss might bring about a spiritual awakening. —Mark Lakin, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2024

So Blain-Cruz’s stage—lushly designed by Adam Rigg with tendrils of Spanish moss and a wraparound coastal pool—is set for a showdown as surely as if there were tumbleweeds blowing across it. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Spanish moss

noun

: a plant related to the pineapple that forms hanging tufts of grayish green threadlike strands on trees from the southern U.S. to Argentina