Spanish moss

noun

: an epiphytic plant (Tillandsia usneoides) of the pineapple family forming pendent tufts of grayish-green filaments on trees from the southern U.S. to Argentina

Illustration of Spanish moss

Illustration of spanish moss

Examples of Spanish moss in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Southern live oaks draped in Spanish moss that tower and twist over city squares, Neoclassical Antebellum architecture, gas lamps that flicker over uneven cobblestone paths, and a humid subtropical climate that hangs heavy in the air. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025 For this leafy wreath, cover a foam wreath with Spanish moss. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025 These oaks are often seen draped in Spanish moss. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2025 One of the plantation’s top draws is the iconic Avenue of the Oaks with over 80 live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Noreen Kompanik, Boston Herald, 3 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Spanish moss

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Spanish moss was in 1823

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Cite this Entry

“Spanish moss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Spanish%20moss. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

Spanish moss

noun
: a plant related to the pineapple that forms hanging tufts of grayish green threadlike strands on trees from the southern U.S. to Argentina

More from Merriam-Webster on Spanish moss

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