juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

1

a

: any of numerous shrubs or trees (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family with leaves resembling needles or scales and female cones usually resembling berries

b

: the berrylike cone or fruit of a juniper

especially : the bluish one of a common juniper (J. communis) which is used to flavor foods and from which is obtained an acrid essential oil used especially as a flavoring in gin and liqueurs

called also juniper berry

2

: any of several coniferous trees resembling true junipers

Examples of juniper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The original is flavored with seven botanicals—angelica, cardamom, lemon, coriander, orange, orris, and of course juniper. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 May 2026

Not all trees follow this schedule – mountain cedars, or juniper trees, for example, can release clouds of yellow pollen from November through January in Texas, causing a condition known as cedar fever. —Levi Keller, The Conversation, 5 May 2026

The plant’s formal applications gradually reduced to little more than a flavoring agent, featured famously in root beer alongside sarsaparilla, juniper, and vanilla. —Kari Traylor, JSTOR Daily, 30 Apr. 2026

Then plant ones that prefer dry soil, such as junipers, sedums, and yuccas elsewhere. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English junipere, from Latin juniperus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing juniper

• juniper tar

Kids Definition

juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

1

a

: any of numerous evergreen shrubs and trees that are related to the pines but produce female cones resembling berries

b

: the berrylike cone or fruit of a juniper

2

: any of various evergreen trees resembling true junipers

Medical Definition

juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

: an evergreen shrub or tree (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family (Cupressaceae)

especially : one having a prostrate or shrubby habit (as Juniperus communis)