yucca

noun

yuc·​ca ˈyə-kə 

1

: any of a genus (Yucca) of sometimes arborescent plants of the asparagus family that occur in warm regions chiefly of western North America and have long sword-shaped often stiff fibrous-margined leaves on a usually woody base and bear a large panicle of white blossoms

2

: cassava

Illustration of yucca

Examples of yucca in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Heading east on Old Highway 80, the desert landscape is dotted with dry shrubs and rolling hills covered in cacti and yucca trees. —Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026

For the Yuhaaviatam tribe, the humble yucca plant offers a living history woven into the resort. —Erica Olsen, CBS News, 24 May 2026

Botanical prints of yucca, cacti and agave are featured on shirts and Bermuda shorts. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 20 May 2026

Try traditional cuisine like gallo pinto (rice and beans) and vigoron (a dish made with yucca, pork rinds, and cabbage salad). —Essence, 13 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Spanish yuca, of unknown origin

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for yucca

• plica
• pucca

Kids Definition

yucca

noun

yuc·​ca ˈyək-ə 

: any of a genus of plants that are related to the agaves, grow in warm dry regions mostly of western North America, have long pointed often stiff leaves, and produce a tall stiff stalk with whitish flowers