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

Creeping juniper is a North American shrub that performs well as a ground cover on sunny slopes, forming a dense mat from 6 to 18 inches tall. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026

Lily of the valley, foamflower, and wild ginger are easy to keep in shady gardens, while creeping thyme, creeping juniper, and sedums grow well in sun. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 15 Apr. 2026

The formula features nourishing essential oils like sunflower, safflower, sesame, and sweet almond to soften and support the barrier, while lavender, juniper, and citrus calm your body (and mind). —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Apr. 2026

Trees planted include new Texas redbud, desert willow, brodie juniper and sweetgum. —Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026

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)