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

In 1973, the Tree of Ténéré, a 300-year-old acacia in the Sahara Desert, was mourned following its destruction by a truck driver, alleged to have been drunk. —Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025

The chairs come with plush cushions and have ergonomic backs and high armrests for extra comfort, and the table is made from mold- and mildew-resistant acacia wood. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025

It’s made with PE wicker, sturdy steel frames, and acacia wood. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2025

This three-piece bistro set is made from splinter-free acacia wood and includes two cushions for the seats. —Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 10 July 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