tea tree

noun

1

: any of various Australasian shrubs or small trees (genus Leptospermum) of the myrtle family that form dense thickets and have aromatic evergreen foliage

2

: any of various melaleucas (especially Melaleuca alternifolia) with aromatic leaves that yield an essential oil used especially as an antiseptic

Examples of tea tree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So the addition of tea tree oil and mint, which notably can relieve dryness and itch while improving overall scalp health, rounds out the formula to help deliver those hair-thickening results. —Erika Reals, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026

For balance, gluconolactone (a gentle PHA) and willow bark extract lightly exfoliate to keep pores clear, while witch hazel and tea tree help manage shine. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Feb. 2026

For even more odor-fighting power, Rochester recommends combining 2 teaspoons of citric acid, a half cup of water, 10 drops of tea tree oil, and 20 drops of pine essential oil in a spray bottle. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026

Many essential oils are toxic to animals, such as tea tree or peppermint. —Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 17 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from the use of an infusion of their leaves as a beverage

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tea tree

• be
• bee
• bree
• cree
• fee
• flea
• flee
• free
• gee
• ghee
• glee
• he