Joshua tree

noun

: a tall branched arborescent yucca (Yucca brevifolia) of arid regions of the southwestern U.S. that has clustered greenish-white flowers

Illustration of Joshua tree

Examples of Joshua tree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Avantus responded by partnering with state and federal agencies to set aside more than 215,000 acres in Kern County to protect Mojave Desert plants, including the western Joshua tree, and animals living on the site. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026

That means plenty of opportunity to absorb the wild and wonderful Joshua trees. — Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

Camping in this desert oasis means sleeping among the rocks and iconic Joshua trees under a dark sky that's prime for stargazing. — Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026

The towering rock formations and Joshua trees turned otherworldly. — Kris Ann Valdez, Parents, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Joshua tree

• agree
• allee
• banshee
• beastly
• bibi
• bowsprit
• carefree
• cerci
• chablis
• cowpea
• crappie
• crappy

Kids Definition

Joshua tree

noun

: a tall branched yucca of the southwestern U.S. with short leaves and clusters of greenish white flowers