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

Illustration of joshua tree

Examples of Joshua tree 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.
That means plenty of opportunity to absorb the wild and wonderful Joshua trees. — Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026 Camping in this desert oasis means sleeping among the rocks and iconic Joshua trees under a dark sky that's prime for stargazing. — Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026 The towering rock formations and Joshua trees turned otherworldly. — Kris Ann Valdez, Parents, 18 June 2026 Mojave National Preserve adds a scenic desert stop between Needles and Barstow, with Joshua trees, volcanic cinder cones and short hikes such as the half-mile Hole-in-the-Wall Nature Trail. — Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for Joshua tree

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Joshua tree was in 1884

Rhymes for Joshua tree

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Browse Nearby Words

Joshua
Joshua tree
Joshua Tree National Park
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Cite this Entry

“Joshua tree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Joshua%20tree. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Joshua tree

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

More from Merriam-Webster on Joshua tree

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Joshua tree

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