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

When carefully and appropriately maintained, cedar and cypress are among the longest-lasting varieties, but that durability will cost you. —Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2024

Nestled amongst mature olive and cypress trees, the Oscar winner’s new five-bedroom, six bathroom manse spans roughly 6,200 square feet. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 29 July 2024

The core fragrance instantly evokes Highgrove Gardens, with a rich cedar base, delicate top notes of cypress and lemon, and subtle hints of lavender, papyrus, and vetiver. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 July 2024

In this family hotel surrounded by cypresses and the shimmering Mediterranean sea, time stands still. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2024

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 population 47,802