acacia

noun

aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə 

1

: gum arabic

2

: any of a large genus (Acacia) of leguminous shrubs and trees of warm regions with leaves pinnate or reduced to phyllodes and white or yellow flower clusters

Examples of acacia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Make sure guests have ample seating with this water-resistant set of chairs or this acacia wood bench that comes with a cushion. —Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 6 July 2025

Original price: $2,840 The Winston Porter rectangular dining set with cushions is crafted from weather-resistant acacia wood and features a rich, dark brown finish, providing a stylish and durable dining option. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025

Host up to six people with this acacia wood dining set that’s rot- and weather-resistant. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 27 June 2025

If the landscape company is installing a bed of acacia, Rhaphiolepis or another plant that does not support our native butterflies, insects and other pollinators, ask them to stop. —Jessica Peralta, Oc Register, 4 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, going back to Latin, "a species of Acacia, gum arabic," borrowed from Greek akakía "a plant of the Acacia genus (probably A. nilotica), acacia extract," of obscure origin; (sense 1) Middle English acacia, acacie "astringent gum made from the juice of green plums or sloes," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French acasie, acacie "juice of plums or sloes," borrowed from Medieval Latin acacia, going back to Latin, "gum arabic"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for acacia

• cetacea
• crustacea
• depopulation
• geisha
• orchidaceae
• osteomalacia

Kids Definition

acacia

noun

aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə 

1

: gum arabic

2

: any of numerous shrubs and trees of the legume family that grow in warm areas and have white or yellow flower clusters

Medical Definition

acacia

noun

aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə 

1

capitalized : a genus of woody leguminous plants of warm regions having pinnate leaves and white or yellow flower clusters see catechu

2

: any of the genus Acacia of leguminous plants

3

: gum arabic