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

White cedars have short needles in dense clusters, while eastern red cedars have flatter leaves. —Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026

As a substitute for flowers, Ballato points out that eastern red cedar does produce colorful blue berries. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026

The home's exterior is finished in red cedar and topped by a metal roof. —New Atlas, 27 Nov. 2025

Eastern Red Cedar and Juniper Eastern red cedar and other plants in the juniper family potentially spread cedar apple rust. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 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