Spanish moss

noun

: an epiphytic plant (Tillandsia usneoides) of the pineapple family forming pendent tufts of grayish-green filaments on trees from the southern U.S. to Argentina

Illustration of Spanish moss

Examples of Spanish moss in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With cobblestone streets, Spanish moss and 22 grand historic squares connected by a pedestrian-friendly grid, this city rewards those who explore it on foot and by bike. —Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026

With cobblestone streets, Spanish moss and 22 grand historic squares, this walkable Southern city makes an ideal destination for families craving something beyond the usual beach trip. —Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2026

This city is one of the most walkable in the American South, built on a grid of cobblestone streets draped in Spanish moss and anchored by 22 grand historic squares. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026

Finally, the riders entered a canopy of oaks dripping Spanish moss that marked the park entrance. —Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Spanish moss

• albatross
• applesauce
• barabbas
• helios
• kshatriyas
• across
• backcross
• crisscross
• lacrosse
• recross
• tomas
• blas

Kids Definition

Spanish moss

noun

: a plant related to the pineapple that forms hanging tufts of grayish green threadlike strands on trees from the southern U.S. to Argentina