cactus

noun

cac·tus ˈkak-təs

plural cacti ˈkak-ˌtī

-(ˌ)tē

or cactuses also cactus

: any of a family (Cactaceae, the cactus family) of plants that have succulent stems and branches with scales or spines instead of leaves and are found especially in dry areas (such as deserts)

Examples of cactus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Recently, the brand launched its new Premium Collection that features the popular Weekender and Duffle styles made from cactus leather. —

Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Nov. 2023 Why were his stories so enchanting to European cactus collectors? —

Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2023 Oils are extracted from the seeds of the nopal’s fruit, then blended with natural butters and lemongrass oil, as well as cactus fibers that purify and exfoliate skin. —

Ella Riley-Adams Angela Koh Jameson Montgomery Jameson Montgomery Tom Delavan, New York Times, 16 Nov. 2023 This quiet cactus charges via USB and also functions as a night light. —

Helen Bradshaw, Popular Science, 9 Nov. 2023 Life House Palm Springs is a stunning 66-key desert hotel, opening its doors on Nov. 2, with a pool, cocktail lounge, and a cactus garden with fire pits. —

Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2023 Who knew that one cactus genus could have so many festive species? —

Emma Phelps, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2023 For musical little ones, Fisher-Price’s DJ Bouncin Beats toy is 33% off, while the viral dancing cactus is on sale for nearly half off. —

Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 27 Sep. 2023 Custom artwork from Spain, handmade ceramic cactus paddles, and wallpaper add an artsy vibe to the space. —

Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cactus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, cardoon, from Greek kaktos

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of cactus was in 1738

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cactus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cactus. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.

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Kids Definition

cactus

noun

cac·tus ˈkak-təs

plural cacti -ˌtī

-(ˌ)tē

or cactuses also cactus

: any of a large family of flowering plants able to live in dry regions and having fleshy stems and branches that bear scales or prickles instead of leaves