acacia

noun

aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə 

1

: gum arabic

2

: any of a large genus (Acacia) of leguminous shrubs and trees of warm regions with leaves pinnate or reduced to phyllodes and white or yellow flower clusters

Examples of acacia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If the landscape company is installing a bed of acacia, Rhaphiolepis or another plant that does not support our native butterflies, insects and other pollinators, ask them to stop. —Jessica Peralta, Oc Register, 4 June 2025

The couch features a durable, rust-resistant metal frame designed to look like wood, plus the set includes two acacia wood end tables for holding food, drinks, books, games, and more. —Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2025

It is made from solid acacia wood that gives patios and decks a timeless, natural look. —Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 28 May 2025

Its all-weather wicker exterior gives it a beachy touch while the acacia wood tabletop is a stable spot to house drinks and snacks. —Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, going back to Latin, "a species of Acacia, gum arabic," borrowed from Greek akakía "a plant of the Acacia genus (probably A. nilotica), acacia extract," of obscure origin; (sense 1) Middle English acacia, acacie "astringent gum made from the juice of green plums or sloes," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French acasie, acacie "juice of plums or sloes," borrowed from Medieval Latin acacia, going back to Latin, "gum arabic"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for acacia

• cetacea
• crustacea
• depopulation
• geisha
• orchidaceae
• osteomalacia

Kids Definition

acacia

noun

aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə 

1

: gum arabic

2

: any of numerous shrubs and trees of the legume family that grow in warm areas and have white or yellow flower clusters

Medical Definition

acacia

noun

aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə 

1

capitalized : a genus of woody leguminous plants of warm regions having pinnate leaves and white or yellow flower clusters see catechu

2

: any of the genus Acacia of leguminous plants

3

: gum arabic