juniper

noun ju·ni·per \ ˈjü-nə-pər \

Updated on: 10 Apr 2018

Definition of juniper

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

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Recent Examples of juniper from the Web

Any hunter with a lick of woodsmanship could recognize the Ashe juniper was a perfect spot to set up an ambush.

— Houston Chronicle, "Rattlers, ticks part of spring turkey hunting," 7 Apr. 2018
The London candle is reminiscent of the Columbia Road flower market, with notes of tropical heliotrope, lilac, juniper, and sweet-smelling hyacinth with a hint of spice, which feels like an homage to the city’s diverse culture.

— shannon barbour, The Cut, "You Can Buy These Exclusive Diptyque Candles for 4 Days Only," 6 Apr. 2018
Add stock, olives, orange zest, orange juice, juniper berries (if using) and thyme.

— kristine m. kierzek, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Former Obama chef dreams of a better world," 2 Apr. 2018
Gin is an infused liquor flavored predominently with juniper berries, which gives it a bit of a piney taste.

— paula forbes, GQ, "It's Gin Season, Which Means You Should Make Some Gimlets," 1 Apr. 2018
Cerasum, a new cherry liqueur, made in the United States by Don Ciccio & Figli from Michigan cherries and blossoms from Virginia, plus assorted herbs like juniper, is based on an old Italian recipe.

— florence fabricant, New York Times, "A New Cherry Liqueur, Made in America," 5 Mar. 2018
The list would include junipers, waxleaf ligustrums and hollies.

— neil sperry, star-telegram, "What gardeners should take away from this winter’s extended cold snap," 26 Jan. 2018
Elaeagus, Sea Green junipers and standard glossy abelias are possibilities, although all would take a while to grow tall enough for much privacy.

— neil sperry, San Antonio Express-News, "Can’t keep a good holly shrub down — even when you want to," 9 Mar. 2018
This evergreen ground cover is a landscape staple but Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' can also thrive in the living room (the juniper sends down serious roots, so the trick is to find a container that allows them to stretch).

— country living staff, Country Living, "17 of the Best Indoor Plants to Make Your Home Feel Unique," 6 Mar. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of juniper

Middle English junipere, from Latin juniperus

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First Known Use: 14th century

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JUNIPER Defined for English Language Learners

juniper

noun

Definition of juniper for English Language Learners

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

JUNIPER Defined for Kids

juniper

noun ju·ni·per \ ˈjü-nə-pər \

Definition of juniper for Students

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

Medical Dictionary

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)