conifer

noun

co·​ni·​fer ˈkä-nə-fər 

also ˈkō-

: any of an order (Coniferales) of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs having usually needle-shaped or scalelike leaves and including forms (such as pines) with true cones and others (such as yews) with an arillate fruit

coniferous

kō-ˈni-f(ə-)rəs 

kə-

adjective

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Any of an order of trees and shrubs, conifers usually have usually needle-shaped or scale-like leaves. Conifers include forms (such as pines) with true cones and others (such as yews) that bear a fruit. There are more than 550 species of conifers, and most are evergreen trees and shrubs. They grow throughout the world (except in Antarctica) and prefer temperate climate zones. They include the world's smallest and tallest trees. Conifers supply softwood timber used for general construction, boxes and crates, and other articles, as well as pulpwood for paper. The wood is also used as fuel and in the manufacture of cellulose products, plywood, and veneers. The trees are the source of resins, oils, turpentine, tars, and pharmaceuticals.

Examples of conifer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When purchasing essential oils, also look for conifer options such as Scots pine and other needle oils. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 16 Apr. 2026

Gee Farms Stockbridge, Michigan Located 70 miles west of Detroit, this family-run nursery spans 40 acres and specializes in rare and unusual conifers and deciduous trees and shrubs. —Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 10 Apr. 2026

Not everyone agrees about the value of the conifer collection, however. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026

Other seed plants, such as early conifers – a group that includes modern pine trees – could reproduce without needing water for fertilization. —Erin Potter, The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Latin conifer cone-bearing, from conus cone + -fer

First Known Use

circa 1841, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for conifer

• ionophore

Kids Definition

conifer

noun

con·​i·​fer

ˈkän-ə-fər

also ˈkō-nə-

: any of an order of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs having leaves resembling needles or scales in shape and including forms (as pines) with true cones