red cedar

noun

1

: a common juniper (Juniperus virginiana) chiefly of the eastern U.S. that has dark green closely imbricated scalelike leaves

also : a related tree (J. silicicola) of the southeastern U.S.

2

: western red cedar sense 1

3

: the red or reddish-brown wood of a red cedar

Examples of red cedar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Once more, Pinheiro looked around for signs of the plane amid the Eastern red cedars and loblolly pines. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2024

Outside, the red cedar deck has space for gathering around the table with friends, where you’ll be surrounded by native plants including vine maples, deer ferns, and salal. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025

Each accommodation has its own look that illustrates the talented craftsmen brought in for the project, from the woven red cedar ceiling in Sho to the unchamfered log pillars in Gyo. —Christina Liao, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025

Without consistent control measures taken by humans, the eastern red cedar soon claims grassland. —Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for red cedar

• cheerleader
• proofreader
• ringleader
• bleeder
• breeder
• feeder
• leader
• lieder
• meader
• pleader
• reader
• reeder

Kids Definition

red cedar

noun

1

: any of several U.S. evergreen trees that are conifers with scalelike leaves and fragrant red or reddish brown wood

2

: the wood of a red cedar