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

Visitors and staff were evacuated from the park on Thursday as the fire is burned through pinyon pine, juniper, sage and grass. —Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 11 July 2025

Fringed by juniper trees and offering panoramic views of the Peloponnesian coast, Simos captures the essence of a serene Greek island escape 9. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

Soon, the flames crawled up a tall juniper bush planted on the side of the home, spreading flames onto the exterior wall and roof, shortly before a wood fence burst into flames. —Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025

Bittersweet Seville orange; grapefruit and lemon peel for acidity; coriander, which is also citrusy; angelica and orris roots for spice; cassia to pair with mint in cocktails; jasmine to go with honey; and plenty of wild juniper. —Betsy Andrews, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 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)