live oak

noun

: any of several American evergreen oaks: such as
a
: a medium-sized oak (Quercus virginiana) of southeastern North America often cultivated as a shelter and shade tree and noted for its extremely hard tough durable wood
b
: any of several oaks of the western U.S. with evergreen foliage and hard durable wood

Illustration of live oak

Illustration of live oak
  • live oak a

Examples of live oak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With its rolling hills, shady live oaks, and thriving equestrian scene, Ocala already has bucolic appeal. Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 14 May 2025 Pollen on the cars came mostly from live oak and also pine, palm, mango — typical trees in South Florida. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025 The house is surrounded by towering, centuries-old magnolia trees, dogwoods, pecan trees, and Southern live oaks, and has a pretty shaded garden. Amy Bentley, Oc Register, 7 May 2025 Each winter, enthusiastic volunteers from age three to 83 collect and plant Coast live oak acorns. Jeff Regan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for live oak

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of live oak was in 1610

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Cite this Entry

“Live oak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/live%20oak. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

live oak

noun
: any of several American oaks with evergreen leaves and hard durable wood
especially : one of the southeastern U.S. that is grown for its shelter and shade and formerly much used in building ships

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