juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

1

a

: any of numerous shrubs or trees (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family with leaves resembling needles or scales and female cones usually resembling berries

b

: the berrylike cone or fruit of a juniper

especially : the bluish one of a common juniper (J. communis) which is used to flavor foods and from which is obtained an acrid essential oil used especially as a flavoring in gin and liqueurs

called also juniper berry

2

: any of several coniferous trees resembling true junipers

Examples of juniper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dwarf hollies, Tam and other dwarf junipers, dwarf nandinas – those are the sorts of plants that will give you that look. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Feb. 2026

Cody Sheehy is standing in a grassy meadow in northeast Oregon, surrounded by dark pines, spruce, and juniper trees. —Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 11 Feb. 2026

You're likely caught up in what is commonly known in Central Texas as cedar fever, or feeling the effects of high concentrations of Ashe juniper pollen in the air. —Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026

You're likely caught up in what is commonly known in Texas as cedar fever, or feeling the effects of high concentrations of Ashe juniper pollen in the air. —Mary Wasson, San Antonio Express-News, 10 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English junipere, from Latin juniperus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing juniper

• juniper tar

Kids Definition

juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

1

a

: any of numerous evergreen shrubs and trees that are related to the pines but produce female cones resembling berries

b

: the berrylike cone or fruit of a juniper

2

: any of various evergreen trees resembling true junipers

Medical Definition

juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

: an evergreen shrub or tree (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family (Cupressaceae)

especially : one having a prostrate or shrubby habit (as Juniperus communis)