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

Illustration of spanish moss

Examples of Spanish moss in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The University of Florida’s sprawling campus provides plenty of opportunity to stroll under the shade of Spanish moss-laden trees. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026 The island is still home to oaks covered in Spanish moss, unpaved roads, undeveloped beaches and marshes. Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2026 Set at Oakwood Heights, a picturesque campus surrounded by Spanish moss and steeped in tradition, the school is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to a mysterious love offering from an anonymous donor, and students and faculty alike are determined to protect its legacy. Peter White, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026 Neon parrakeets flocked over live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Spanish moss

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Spanish moss was in 1823

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Cite this Entry

“Spanish moss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Spanish%20moss. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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

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