arborvitae

noun ar·bor·vi·tae \ ˌär-bər-ˈvī-tē \

|Updated on: 10 Jul 2018

Definition of arborvitae

: 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

See arborvitae defined for kids

Recent Examples of arborvitae from the Web

Bagworms have been devouring needles of junipers, cedars, cypresses and arborvitae.

— neil sperry, star-telegram, "The tough half of the gardening marathon is ahead. Here's how to finish strong," 6 July 2018
In the spring, after winter storms and hungry deer ravaged their arborvitae trees and other vegetation, Mr. Emanuel called in a horticulturist who specializes in exotic plants to help them plant bamboo on the side of the yard for more privacy.

— christine hauser, New York Times, "A Staten Island Man Found a Safe of Cash in His Backyard. Then Things Got Weird.," 19 May 2018
Private property When the Lairds relocated to their Lake Forest home from Chicago two decades ago, the family planted 40 arborvitae trees along the back property line for privacy.

— taylor m. riley, The Courier-Journal, "He's a bourbon big shot that throws lavish Kentucky Derby parties. Now, tour his home," 26 Apr. 2018
For instance, deer will generally eat yews and arborvitae, and leave boxwood alone.

— tim johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Sunny or shady? Sandy or clay soil? Know specifics of your garden before picking plants.," 17 Apr. 2018
Shake heavy snow off shrubs and trees to keep branches from breaking or bending, especially frail structures such as arborvitae, boxwoods, young rhododendrons and azaleas.

— samantha swindler, OregonLive.com, "People are still playing Pokemon Go, apparently: Forest Grove police log," 19 Feb. 2018
Evergreens like pines, spruce, yews, arborvitae and junipers shed their older inner needles.

— melinda myers, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Layer leaves with compost or soil to make raised beds," 15 Dec. 2017
Here are some questions asked by other gardeners, including whether to top a tree, how to fight stink bugs and how to help a struggling arborvitae.

— OregonLive.com, "To top or not to top a tree and how to fight stink bugs: Ask an expert," 4 Nov. 2017
Amethyst vases, decanters, and two hefty hurricanes from William Yeoward Crystal set up a striking color scheme and complement a garland made of two kinds of arborvitae.

— sarah yang, House Beautiful, "Top Pin of the Day: A Purple Holiday Mantel," 10 Dec. 2013

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'arborvitae.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.