acacia

noun

aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə How to pronounce acacia (audio)
1
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
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for acacia

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of acacia was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acacia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acacia. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

acacia

noun
aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə How to pronounce acacia (audio)
1
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 How to pronounce acacia (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on acacia

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!