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

Pueblo cooks use corn, beans, and squash, as well as wild onions, mushrooms, purslane, and juniper. —Michael Shaikh june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025

If heavy juniper tones of gin turn you off, Bully Boy’s Estate Gin ($27) has a different vibe: some apple brandy in the base, botanicals beyond juniper such as hibiscus, pink peppercorn, and a few secret ingredients. —Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 21 June 2025

Rooted in the essence of the earth, the fragrance opens with bursts of Sicilian lime, and aromatic Timur pepper, with notes of safe and juniper berry. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Beautifully perfumed nose—a floral and fresh spring garden with lilacs, roses and juniper. —Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 20 July 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)