cypress

1 of 2

noun (1)

cy·​press ˈsī-prəs 

1

a(1)

: any of a genus (Cupressus of the family Cupressaceae, the cypress family) of evergreen trees and shrubs with small overlapping leaves resembling scales

(2)

: any of several coniferous trees of the cypress family or the bald cypress family

especially : bald cypress sense 1

b

: the wood of a cypress tree

2

: branches of cypress used as a symbol of mourning

cypress

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a silk or cotton usually black gauze formerly used for mourning

Examples of cypress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The stone pavilions of Amanruya pepper the hills of Bodrum’s north coastline, with sweeping views of the Aegean and the scent of cypress trees ever-present. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026

This faux greenery features impressively lifelike cypress leaves, while the berries add a bold, seasonal color. — Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 12 Nov. 2026

Each of its 75 guest rooms comes with a private terrace, and the design is driven by natural materials like cypress logs, clay, and volcanic stone. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2026

It’s understated yet sophisticated in black, but the emerald green option called cypress might be even better. — Tim Stevens, The Verge, 10 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English cipres, from Anglo-French ciprès, from Latin cyparissus, from Greek kyparissos

Noun (2)

Middle English ciprus, cipres, from Cyprus, Mediterranean island

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cypress

• bald cypress
• cypress vine
• Monterey cypress
• summer cypress

Kids Definition

cypress

noun

cy·​press

ˈsī-prəs

1

: any of a genus of evergreen trees and shrubs that are related to the pines and have overlapping scalelike leaves

2

: bald cypress

3

: the wood of a cypress tree

Geographical Definition

Cypress

geographical name

Cy·​press ˈsī-prəs 

city in southwestern California southeast of Los Angeles