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

The defendant also is accused of building an RV carport that juts onto church property, and in doing so killed the arborvitae that are planted along the fence line. —Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 30 May 2025

Hartford Courant Rhododendrons and ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae seemed to suffer the most damage followed by cherry laurels and hollies. —Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025

In contrast, ‘Green Giant’ arborvitaes suddenly showed symptoms after warm weather began this spring. —Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025

In addition, some arborvitae will be planted along the chain link fence for an additional buffer. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025

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"