juniper

ju·ni·per | \ ˈjü-nə-pər

\

Definition of juniper

1a : 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 Gin, which is made from juniper berries and other botanicals, might fit the bill on its own, but the Jitterbug Perfume adds hibiscus, rose hips, and camomile for good measure. — Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, "Botanical Tipples and Dreamy Pastas at Il Fiorista," 22 Nov. 2019 Snapped by hotshot Christopher MacKenzie, the photograph shows the wildland firefighters forming a human pyramid in front of a giant juniper tree near Prescott that the crew had saved during the Doce Fire. — Anne Ryman, azcentral, "'This is how we wanted to remember them': Granite Mountain Hotshots honored with 9-foot steel structure to be unveiled in Yarnell," 15 Nov. 2019 Like this energizing body wash from Jack Black, which contains invigorating scents like rosemary, eucalyptus, and juniper berry. — Amanda Tarlton, USA TODAY, "15 products that will help you wake up in the morning," 1 Nov. 2019 Rather, your meal might end with wild juniper cakes, Bosc pear tarts with malted barley, or most likely, something that’s yet to be dreamed up. — Aliza Abarbanel, Bon Appétit, "The Restaurant at Pearl Morissette Offers a Tasting Menu for the Climate-Conscious Era," 7 Nov. 2019 For example, Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) is a narrow evergreen tree that grows more than 50 feet tall. — Beth Botts, chicagotribune.com, "A perennial plant whose wood stems are wrapped in bark is a ...," 5 Nov. 2019 Various plays on the Amaro spritz, for instance, balance its bitter herbal notes with a twist of lime; a juniper edge may appeal to gin-happy consumers who’ve had enough of tonic. — Natasha Frost, Quartzy, "As Aperol spritz fatigue sets in, the fight to sell the next big drink is already underway," 30 Oct. 2019 When Franco died, his body was embalmed and placed in a marked tomb, to the east of the basilica’s altar, beneath a large figure of Christ on a juniper cross. — Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, "Franco’s Body Is Exhumed, as Spain Still Struggles to Confront the Past," 26 Oct. 2019 Red Oaks, apple trees and junipers were planted in various locations throughout the 105-acre Hartford park. — Mikala Kane, courant.com, "Good news this week: A Hartford woman avoids deportation, teens fight to end period stigma and Travelers employees plant trees in a Hartford park," 18 Oct. 2019

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

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Last Updated

3 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Juniper.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juniper. Accessed 8 December 2019.

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More Definitions for juniper

juniper

noun

English Language Learners Definition of juniper

: an evergreen shrub or tree that has tiny fruits that look like berries

See the full definition for juniper in the English Language Learners Dictionary

juniper

noun

ju·ni·per | \ ˈjü-nə-pər

\

Kids Definition of juniper

: an evergreen tree or shrub related to the pines but having tiny cones resembling berries

juniper

noun

ju·ni·per | \ ˈjü-nə-pər

\

Medical Definition of juniper

: an evergreen shrub or tree (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family (Cupressaceae) especially : one having a prostrate or shrubby habit (as Juniperus communis)

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