cedar

noun

ce·​dar ˈsē-dər 

1

a

: any of a genus (Cedrus) of usually tall coniferous trees (such as the cedar of Lebanon or the deodar) of the pine family noted for their fragrant durable wood

b

: any of numerous coniferous trees (as of the genera Juniperus, Chamaecyparis, or Thuja of the cypress family) that resemble the true cedars especially in the fragrance and durability of their wood

2

: the wood of a cedar

cedary

ˈsē-dər-ē 

-də-rē

adjective

Examples of cedar in a Sentence

a chair made of cedar

Recent Examples on the Web

Paper opens with clove and Atlas cedar for spicy warmth, deepens into leather and soft cashmere, and finishes with a whisper of bourbon vanilla and parchment. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025

These cedar saplings are essential for constructing the traditional dwellings of Eastern Woodlands tribes. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025

Green apple, cedar, and amber lend this scent a clean, aquatic vibe that’s just as appropriate for school as a first date. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2025

On the palate, layers of cocoa, white pepper, and vanilla meet a bold infusion of cherry and ripe stone fruits, balanced by oak and cedar. —Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cedre, from Anglo-French, from Latin cedrus, from Greek kedros

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing cedar

• Atlantic white cedar
• cedar-apple rust
• cedar of Lebanon
• cedar waxwing
• incense cedar
• Japanese cedar
• northern white cedar
• red cedar
• salt cedar
• western red cedar
• white cedar

Rhymes for cedar

• bleeder
• breeder
• feeder
• leader
• lieder
• meader
• pleader
• reader
• reeder
• seeder
• weeder
• cheerleader

Kids Definition

cedar

noun

ce·​dar ˈsēd-ər 

1

a

: any of a genus of usually tall trees related to the pines and noted for their fragrant durable wood

b

: any of numerous cone-bearing trees (as some junipers) resembling the true cedars especially in having fragrant long-lasting wood

2

: the wood of a cedar

Geographical Definition

Cedar

geographical name

Ce·​dar ˈsē-dər 

river 329 miles (529 kilometers) long in southeastern Minnesota and eastern Iowa flowing southeast into the Iowa River