cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs How to pronounce cactus (audio)
plural cacti ˈkak-ˌtī How to pronounce cactus (audio)
-(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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Target area: Fine lines and wrinkles Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, moringa extract, and cactus stem cell extract Isdin Age Contour Firming and Rejuvenating Cream Talk about tightening and hydration in one! Jennifer Chan, People.com, 10 June 2025 This candle captures the time of the desert sky changing from day to a starlight night with fruity notes of raspberry juxtaposed with cactus fruit blossoms and a cedarwood base. Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 Shaped like little green leaves (because why not be cute and moisturized?), these masks are packed with cucumber to de-puff, cactus extract to hydrate, and green tea leaf to calm all the nonsense happening under my eyes. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 27 May 2025 Residents must bring the materials to be chipped to the site; crews must be able to pick the materials up as they cannot be cut into smaller pieces; and no poison oak/ivy/sumac, ground cover, cactus or materials with bug infestation will be chipped. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cactus

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

Cite this Entry

“Cactus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cactus. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cactus

noun
cac·​tus ˈkak-təs How to pronounce cactus (audio)
plural cacti -ˌtī How to pronounce cactus (audio)
-(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

More from Merriam-Webster on cactus

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