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

There, towering cypress trees have grown for hundreds of years and vulnerable or endangered species like Bengal tigers, clouded leopards, black bears, and red pandas live in habitats that morph with the rising geography – and new plant and animal species continue to be discovered. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025

Most journey from inland valleys and mountain ranges west of the Rockies to coastal California, where groves of eucalyptus, cypress and Monterrey pine provide shelter from winter storms. —Olivia Maule, Mercury News, 6 Dec. 2025

During this time of year, strolling or biking through the historic district in the town’s quaint Northwest Quadrant (where glossy magnolia wreaths and fresh cypress swags decorate homes) will stir imagination and wonder—and will likely prompt a Zillow click or two. —Stephanie Hunt, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2025

Deep crimson motifs bloom against fields of black and ivory; lozenges, cypress trees, and amulets thread their way into measured geometric grids. —Amelia Dhuga, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2025

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