cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs How to pronounce cactus (audio)
plural cacti ˈkak-ˌtī How to pronounce cactus (audio)
-(ˌ)tē
or cactuses also cactus
: any of a family (Cactaceae, the cactus family) of plants that have succulent stems and branches with scales or spines instead of leaves and are found especially in dry areas (such as deserts)

Examples of cactus 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.
Like many of the sides on the menu, including the cacti de gallo (marinated green cactus, avocado, and tomato), the dish was influenced by the flavors of her upbringing. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 4 July 2025 The magic of this particular blend fares well with the initial burst of freshness that settles into an intriguing green finish, where coriander and cactus notes take the lead. Stixx Mathews, Essence, 13 June 2025 The water looks tropical at first, almost Caribbean, but the landscape beside it is marked with mesquite and cactus. Outside Online, 29 May 2025 There will be workshops on succulent and cactus growing. San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cactus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, cardoon, from Greek kaktos

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cactus was in 1738

Cite this Entry

“Cactus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cactus. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cactus

noun
cac·​tus ˈkak-təs How to pronounce cactus (audio)
plural cacti -ˌtī How to pronounce cactus (audio)
-(ˌ)tē
or cactuses also cactus
: any of a large family of flowering plants able to live in dry regions and having fleshy stems and branches that bear scales or prickles instead of leaves

More from Merriam-Webster on cactus

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