juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

1

a

: any of numerous shrubs or trees (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family with leaves resembling needles or scales and female cones usually resembling berries

b

: the berrylike cone or fruit of a juniper

especially : the bluish one of a common juniper (J. communis) which is used to flavor foods and from which is obtained an acrid essential oil used especially as a flavoring in gin and liqueurs

called also juniper berry

2

: any of several coniferous trees resembling true junipers

Examples of juniper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With the hypnotic smell of a moonlit forest gathering, Gypsy Water lets off notes of pine needles, juniper berries, incense, and sandalwood. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024

The fragrance then unfolds with green, zesty notes of juniper berry intertwined with the warm, woody embrace of resinous myrrh absolute. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

The Best-of-Show winner at Santa Fe was a reproduction of a weapon set carefully crafted with natural materials like knapped flint, turkey feathers, yucca cord and juniper branches commemorating the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 by Acoma Pueblo artist Dan Vallo. —Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024

For a bouquet garni, wrap cinnamon, cloves, juniper berries, and bay leaves in cheesecloth. —Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English junipere, from Latin juniperus

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing juniper

• juniper tar

Kids Definition

juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

1

a

: any of numerous evergreen shrubs and trees that are related to the pines but produce female cones resembling berries

b

: the berrylike cone or fruit of a juniper

2

: any of various evergreen trees resembling true junipers

Medical Definition

juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

: an evergreen shrub or tree (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family (Cupressaceae)

especially : one having a prostrate or shrubby habit (as Juniperus communis)