juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

1

a

: any of numerous shrubs or trees (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family with leaves resembling needles or scales and female cones usually resembling berries

b

: the berrylike cone or fruit of a juniper

especially : the bluish one of a common juniper (J. communis) which is used to flavor foods and from which is obtained an acrid essential oil used especially as a flavoring in gin and liqueurs

called also juniper berry

2

: any of several coniferous trees resembling true junipers

Examples of juniper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The core expression, as mentioned before, is made from a 19-botanical recipe that includes juniper, lemon peel, violet, coriander, nutmeg, and fennel. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 June 2025

Bagworms most commonly attack evergreens like junipers, arborvitae, cypress, cedars, and broadleaved plants such as Indian hawthorn, azaleas, and various oaks. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 2025

This mile-long path winds through juniper and wildflowers, then takes travelers down into the canyon itself, which is named for its vivid layers. —USA Today, 11 June 2025

The 2013 Dean’s List Cabernet Sauvignon is showing well, with dark raspberry, lavender and juniper and velvety tannins. —Laura Ness, Mercury News, 10 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English junipere, from Latin juniperus

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing juniper

• juniper tar

Kids Definition

juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

1

a

: any of numerous evergreen shrubs and trees that are related to the pines but produce female cones resembling berries

b

: the berrylike cone or fruit of a juniper

2

: any of various evergreen trees resembling true junipers

Medical Definition

juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

: an evergreen shrub or tree (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family (Cupressaceae)

especially : one having a prostrate or shrubby habit (as Juniperus communis)