bald cypress

noun

1
: a large deciduous conifer (Taxodium distichum of the family Taxodiaceae, the bald cypress family) of southern U.S. swamps that has flexible flat needles and is related to the sequoias
also : a related tree (T. mucronatum) of Mexico and southern Texas see cone illustration
2
: the hard red wood of bald cypress that is much used for shingles

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The entrance weaves through a grove of redwoods and the feeling of nature follows you inside, with interiors of bald cypress siding, a massive redwood tree centerpiece, and an upstairs seating area with organic touches throughout. Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 29 Nov. 2022 The flooded bald cypress of Reelfoot is a historic stopover for waterfowl. Joe Genzel, Outdoor Life, 26 Jan. 2021 Home to some of the state's most beautiful parks, this Hill Country region is known for its limestone bluffs, deep canyons, and bald cypress. Karla Pope, Country Living, 5 Feb. 2023 At its base, partially covered by moss and bald cypress roots, the tint that enchanted the colonial world is still visible. Latria Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Dec. 2022 Tour this park’s namesake river on a 10.4-mile trail through bottomland and bald cypress forest, home to whitetail deer, otters, and feral hogs. Jonathan Olivier, Outside Online, 10 Oct. 2022 The sanctuary is home to the world’s largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forest. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 Surrounding the sculpture are rings of bald cypress and Princeton elm trees, echoing the circular nature of the plaza. William Thornton | Wthornton@al.com, al, 1 July 2022 The living trees are also impressively enduring: In 2019, a North Carolina bald cypress was determined to be more than 2,600 years old. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 3 June 2022 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bald cypress was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near bald cypress

Cite this Entry

“Bald cypress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bald%20cypress. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

bald cypress

noun
: either of two large swamp trees related to the pine and found in the southern U.S.

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