: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Challenging No mystical name is superlative enough to describe Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness and the Enchantments, a land of high-elevation teal lakes, dramatic spires, and, come fall, golden larches. Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025 In the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, maple trees feature orange and red leaves, while quaking aspen and larch trees have yellow leaves. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 14 Oct. 2025 This stretch is also where Washington’s legendary larches put on their best display. Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025 Glacier is a particularly good spot to see larch trees, which are common in the western side of the park, and turn gold in the middle of October. Graham Averill, Outside, 26 Sep. 2025 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 25 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

larch

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

Geographical Definition

Larch

geographical name

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

More from Merriam-Webster on larch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!