cedar

noun

ce·​dar ˈsē-dər 

1

a

: any of a genus (Cedrus) of usually tall coniferous trees (such as the cedar of Lebanon or the deodar) of the pine family noted for their fragrant durable wood

b

: any of numerous coniferous trees (as of the genera Juniperus, Chamaecyparis, or Thuja of the cypress family) that resemble the true cedars especially in the fragrance and durability of their wood

2

: the wood of a cedar

cedary

ˈsē-dər-ē 

-də-rē

adjective

Examples of cedar in a Sentence

a chair made of cedar

Recent Examples on the Web

Woods weave through saffron, patchouli, cedar, sandalwood, and an incense-like haze, while a touch of papyrus adds an earthy edge. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025

Its exterior is finished in a mixture of metal and tongue and groove cedar siding, with a metal roof. —New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2025

The dark rose and amber scent is perfect for chilly mid-season evenings, and the white birch and cedar scent can last into winter once colder temperatures arrive. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025

Whether building a new recipe around apple brandy or swapping a classic cocktail’s traditional spirit out for apple brandy, its baking spice and cedar notes mesh impeccably well with so many other ingredients to seamlessly add fall layers to a drink. —Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cedre, from Anglo-French, from Latin cedrus, from Greek kedros

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing cedar

• Atlantic white cedar
• cedar-apple rust
• cedar of Lebanon
• cedar waxwing
• incense cedar
• Japanese cedar
• northern white cedar
• red cedar
• salt cedar
• western red cedar
• white cedar

Rhymes for cedar

• bleeder
• breeder
• feeder
• leader
• lieder
• meader
• pleader
• reader
• reeder
• seeder
• weeder
• cheerleader

Kids Definition

cedar

noun

ce·​dar ˈsēd-ər 

1

a

: any of a genus of usually tall trees related to the pines and noted for their fragrant durable wood

b

: any of numerous cone-bearing trees (as some junipers) resembling the true cedars especially in having fragrant long-lasting wood

2

: the wood of a cedar

Geographical Definition

Cedar

geographical name

Ce·​dar ˈsē-dər 

river 329 miles (529 kilometers) long in southeastern Minnesota and eastern Iowa flowing southeast into the Iowa River