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

Well Draining, Average Soil pH: Acidic to Neutral (5.0 to 7.0) Although creeping juniper doesn’t spread like many groundcovers, its long, trailing branches hug the ground, giving the plant its common name. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 June 2025

The formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly, and also contains antioxidant-rich goji berry, juniper and pink grapefruit to help naturally brighten and even out skin tone. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 18 June 2025

These six all boast robust juniper flavor and a range of other botanical notes, and finding your favorite will get you that much closer to making your martini yours. —Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 June 2025

Sure, there’s juniper — there has to be — but that piney, resiny flavor is more of a co-star than the sole star. —Jeff Burkhart, Mercury News, 11 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)