giant sequoia

noun

Updated on: 15 Mar 2018

Definition of giant sequoia

: an evergreen tree (Sequoiadendron giganteum) of the bald cypress family that grows on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and sometimes exceeds 270 feet (about 82 meters) in height — see cone illustration — called also big tree, sequoia

See giant sequoia defined for English-language learners

See giant sequoia defined for kids

Recent Examples of giant sequoia from the Web

By the end of the year, scientists hope to have mapped the complete genome of the coast redwood and of the giant sequoia, a close cousin that also is among the tallest trees in the world, some reaching hundreds of feet high.

— scott wilson, Washington Post, "As threats to California’s giant redwoods grow, the key to their salvation might be in their complex genetic code.," 7 Feb. 2018
Correct answer: Something big, perhaps a giant sequoia.

— josh peter, USA TODAY, "Five crazy questions asked at past Super Bowl media day," 29 Jan. 2018
Wildfires also burned in a 2,700-year-old grove of giant sequoia trees near Yosemite National Park, forced evacuations in Glacier National Park and drove people from homes in parts of the West struggling with blazing temperatures.

— CBS News, "Wildfires surge amid scorching heat across Western states," 3 Sep. 2017
Firefighters battling that blaze were making it a priority to safeguard the ancient grove of giant sequoia and a pair of historic cabins at the foot of the trees, fire spokeswoman Anne Grandy said.

— christopher weber and ellen knickmeyer, chicagotribune.com, "Wildfires across West force thousands to flee their homes," 4 Sep. 2017
Firefighters battling that blaze were making it a priority to safeguard the ancient grove of giant sequoia and a pair of historic cabins at the foot of the trees, fire spokeswoman Anne Grandy said.

— Bloomberg.com, "Wildfires Across U.S. West Force Thousands to Flee Their Homes," 4 Sep. 2017
Wildfires burned in a 2,700-year-old grove of giant sequoia trees near Yosemite National Park, forced evacuations in Glacier National Park and drove people from homes in parts of the West struggling with blazing temperatures.

— christopher weber, Washington Post, "Heat spurs surge in California, Oregon wildfires," 3 Sep. 2017
Firefighters battling that blaze were making it a priority to safeguard the ancient grove of giant sequoia and a pair of historic cabins at the foot of the trees, fire spokeswoman Anne Grandy said.

— Bloomberg.com, "Wildfires Across U.S. West Force Thousands to Flee Their Homes," 4 Sep. 2017
Firefighters battling that blaze were making it a priority to safeguard the ancient grove of giant sequoia and a pair of historic cabins at the foot of the trees, fire spokeswoman Anne Grandy said.

— Bloomberg.com, "Wildfires Across U.S. West Force Thousands to Flee Their Homes," 4 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'giant sequoia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of giant sequoia

1860

GIANT SEQUOIA Defined for English Language Learners

giant sequoia

noun

Definition of giant sequoia for English Language Learners

: a very tall evergreen tree that grows in the western U.S.

GIANT SEQUOIA Defined for Kids

giant sequoia

noun

Definition of giant sequoia for Students

: an evergreen tree of California that has needles for leaves and can sometimes grow to over 270 feet (about 82 meters) in height

Learn More about giant sequoia

See words that rhyme with giant sequoia Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about giant sequoia

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up giant sequoia? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

giant sequoia

Definition of giant sequoia

Recent Examples of giant sequoia from the Web

First Known Use of giant sequoia

GIANT SEQUOIA Defined for English Language Learners

giant sequoia

Definition of giant sequoia for English Language Learners

GIANT SEQUOIA Defined for Kids

giant sequoia

Definition of giant sequoia for Students

Learn More about giant sequoia

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

traduce

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Name That Thing

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

giant sequoia

Definition of giant sequoia

Recent Examples of giant sequoia from the Web

First Known Use of giant sequoia

GIANT SEQUOIA Defined for English Language Learners

giant sequoia

Definition of giant sequoia for English Language Learners

GIANT SEQUOIA Defined for Kids

giant sequoia

Definition of giant sequoia for Students

Learn More about giant sequoia

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes