xeriscape

noun, often capitalized

xeri·scape | \ ˈzir-ə-ˌskāp

How to pronounce xeriscape (audio)

, ˈzer-

How to pronounce xeriscape (audio)

\

Definition of xeriscape

: a landscaping method developed especially for arid and semiarid climates that utilizes water-conserving techniques (such as the use of drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation)

Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about xeriscape

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Did You Know?

Xēros is the Greek word for "dry" that is the base for a handful of English words related to mainly dry printing ("xerography") and dry, or xerophilous, habitats and their plants. In the early 1980s, the Greek adjective was used to name a type of landscaping practiced primarily in the arid western regions of the United States. (The Water Department of Denver, Colorado, is credited with the word's coinage.) "Xeriscape," as it is called, uses plants that require little water and techniques that efficiently use water and reduce evaporation.

Examples of xeriscape in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Salvia farinacea appears in most deer-proof landscape plans, almost all butterfly and hummingbird garden plans and xeriscape plans for full sun. — Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, "Calvin Finch: Salvias and lantanas are heat lovers great for San Antonio gardens," 6 Aug. 2020 Tomatoes are not xeriscape plants, so keep them well watered. — Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, "Calvin Finch: It’s time to get your tomato garden planted in San Antonio," 19 Mar. 2020 Note the median’s plantings: environmentally sustainable xeriscape. — New York Times, "‘The Cactus League,’ by Emily Nemens: An Excerpt," 3 Feb. 2020 It is often used as a key part of xeriscape plantings in San Antonio. — Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, "The best living evergreen Christmas trees you can plant later in your San Antonio garden," 28 Nov. 2019 In addition to being a blooming machine, the Gold Star esperanza is a top xeriscape selection and is not eaten by deer in most situations. — Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, "The top hot-weather plants for color in the San Antonio garden," 7 June 2019 About a third of an acre is devoted to water-saving xeriscape landscaping. — Janet Eastman, OregonLive.com, "Dreamy orphaned dome home, finally completed, is for sale (photos)," 31 May 2018 The event features a plant exchange, free xeriscape plants from SAWS and many gardening exhibits and presentations. — Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, "How to control your garden’s pests this summer," 25 May 2018 The park offers a xeriscape garden, part of a 12-mile greenbelt through Scottsdale. — Connie Cone Sexton, azcentral, "10 best shade spots to escape the blistering Phoenix heat," 30 July 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'xeriscape.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near xeriscape

xeroderma pigmentosum

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Cite this Entry

“Xeriscape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xeriscape. Accessed 11 May. 2021.

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