: 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

Illustration of larch

Examples of larch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, maple trees feature orange and red leaves, while quaking aspen and larch trees produce yellow leaves. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2026 Redensyl pairs larch wood and green tea leaf extracts with amino acids to promote a healthy follicle environment. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for larch

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of larch was in 1548

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Larch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/larch. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

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

Geographical Definition

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

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