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

What keeps it from feeling too intense or drying for combination skin is the cushion of tea tree leaf water, which helps calm inflammation. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026

The strongest essential oils are lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, citronella, peppermint, rosemary, and clove. —Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 18 Apr. 2026

For daily cleaning, spray with a homemade mix of vinegar, water, and essential oils (like lemon or tea tree). —Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2026

Essential oils As an alternative to chemical fragrance, many natural deodorants add essential oils such as lavender or tea tree oil. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 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