larch

noun

ˈlärch 

: any of a genus (Larix) of northern hemisphere trees of the pine family with short fascicled deciduous leaves

also : the wood of a larch

Illustration of larch

Examples of larch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Starting point for hikes into Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass are some of Banff National Park’s best (ablaze in autumn when larch needles are golden). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Mid-October often brings the brightest displays in Oregon, while in Washington, color generally develops during September and October, with mountain larches turning first and lower-elevation maples reaching their best color later in the season. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 30 July 2026

Visitors can explore historic sites, paddle the Clearwater Canoe Trail, ride horses through old-growth forests, and see a 1,000-year-old larch tree. — Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2026

Millions of oak and larch piles that slowly petrified into the stone foundations that let Venice be built. — Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from German Lärche, from Middle High German lerche, from Latin laric-, larix

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for larch

• arch
• march
• starch
• cornstarch

Kids Definition

larch

noun

ˈlärch 

: any of a genus of trees related to the pines that shed their short needles each fall

Geographical Definition

Larch

geographical name

ˈlärch 

river 270 miles (434 kilometers) long in western Quebec, Canada, flowing northeast to unite with the Caniapiskau River forming the Koksoak River