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

Under the new Endangered Species Act interpretations, it would not be considered a federal offense to clear private palmetto flatwoods or cypress domes. — Timothy Randhir, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026

The formula draws upon plant extracts like cypress leaf and skullcap to reduce oil production, while willow bark extract and lactic acid clear out impurities, giving the appearance of visibly smaller pores. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

Avenues of cypresses with the tapered tips of wet paintbrushes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

Plenty of materials can be used including hardwood mulches like pine, cypress or cedar, pine straw, dry leaves or straw. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 9 Sep. 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