plural trees
1
a
: a woody perennial plant having a single usually elongate main stem generally with few or no branches on its lower part
b
: a shrub or herb of arborescent form
rose trees
a banana tree
2
: something in the form of or resembling a tree: such as
a
: a diagram or graph that branches usually from a simple stem or vertex without forming loops or polygons
a genealogical tree
phylogenetic trees
b
: a much-branched system of channels especially in an animal body
the vascular tree
3
a(1)
: a piece of wood (such as a post or pole) usually adapted to a particular use or forming part of a structure or implement
(2)
archaic
: the cross on which Jesus was crucified
b
archaic
: gallows
4
see also out of one's tree
treed; treeing
1
a
: to drive to or up a tree
treed by a bull
dogs treeing game
b
: to put into a position of extreme disadvantage : corner
especially
: to bring to bay
2
: to furnish or fit (a shoe) with a tree
Examples of tree in a Sentence
Noun
He chopped down the tree.
Recent Examples on the Web
Philip Holsinger, Time, 10 June 2025
Every year, Sharaf’s aunts harvest the trees, which supply the family with food and oil.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
His link with the outside world was the thin telephone wire that swung from tree to tree down the Bland Canyon road.
—Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tree
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Noun
The ancient Amate tree leaned over a canyon like a broken metronome.
—Philip Holsinger, Time, 10 June 2025
Every year, Sharaf’s aunts harvest the trees, which supply the family with food and oil.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Verb
And Cass was doubtless right — Maggie had treed a chipmunk and wouldn’t stay even with that.
—Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
His link with the outside world was the thin telephone wire that swung from tree to tree down the Bland Canyon road.
—Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tree
Cite this Entry
“Tree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tree. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tree
1 of 2 noun1
a
: a woody plant that lives for years and has a usually single tall main stem with few or no branches on its lower part
b
: a shrub or herb that has a form like a tree
rose trees
a banana tree
2
: a piece of wood (as a post or pole) put to a particular use of forming part of a structure or device
3
: something shaped like or arranged in a form like a tree
especially
: a diagram or graph in branching form compare factor tree, family tree sense 2
tree
2 of 2 verb
treed; treeing
1
: to drive up or as if up a tree
2
: to furnish or fit with a tree
tree an axle
Medical Definition
tree
noun
: an anatomical system or structure having many branches
the vascular tree
see biliary tree, bronchial tree, tracheobronchial tree
Biographical Definition
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