arborvitae

noun

ar·​bor·​vi·​tae ˌär-bər-ˈvī-tē 

: any of various evergreen trees and shrubs (especially genus Thuja) of the cypress family that usually have closely overlapping or compressed scale leaves and are often grown for ornament and in hedges

Examples of arborvitae in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Choose arborvitae, hollies, camellias, osmanthus, or any other evergreen shrub that does well in your region. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026

With its compact form, the American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) doesn’t need pruning. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 30 July 2026

An easy-care and cold-tolerant evergreen shrub, American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) makes an excellent hedge plant. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2026

For a more natural look, use hedges, arborvitae, or tall grasses as a living screen. — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 15 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin arbor vitae, literally, tree of life

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for arborvitae

• vita
• vitae

Kids Definition

arborvitae

noun

ar·​bor·​vi·​tae ˌär-bər-ˈvīt-ē 

: any of various evergreen trees and shrubs with closely overlapping scalelike leaves that are often grown for ornament and hedges

Etymology

modern Latin arbor vitae, literally "tree of life"