cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs 

plural cacti ˈkak-ˌtī 

-(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

Where to Stay, Eat, and Drink At the southern end of the Okanagan Valley, Osoyoos is technically too wet to qualify as a desert, but it is often called one because of its hot, dry summers and prevalent brush and prickly pear cactus. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026

When animals brush against the cactus, part of the cactus gets stuck to them, tears away from the main plant and hitches a ride. — Philip Anderson, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Families with young children can create art using natural paints made from plants grown at Descanso Gardens, including nopal cactus. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Seen thus far in black, metallic gold and iridescent dusty cactus looks, the Air Max Goadome Low Foamposite introduces an all-new Foamposite upper design. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cactus

• barrel cactus
• cactus wren
• Christmas cactus
• giant cactus
• organ pipe cactus
• prickly pear cactus
• Queen of the Night cactus
• rattail cactus

Rhymes for cactus

• actus
• practice
• practise
• tractus
• malpractice

Kids Definition

cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs 

plural cacti -ˌtī 

-(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