yew

noun

ˈyü 

1

a

: any of a genus (Taxus of the family Taxaceae, the yew family) of evergreen gymnospermous trees and shrubs with stiff linear leaves and seeds surrounded by a fleshy red aril: such as

(1)

: a long-lived Eurasian tree or shrub (T. baccata)

called also English yew

(2)

: a low straggling bush (T. canadensis) of the eastern U.S. and Canada

(3)

: pacific yew

b

: the wood of a yew

especially : the heavy fine-grained wood of the English yew

2

archaic : an archery bow made of yew

Illustration of yew

• yew 1a

Examples of yew in a Sentence

a bow made of yew

Recent Examples on the Web

The gourmet experience extends outdoors too, and the hotel can arrange picnics in the shade of the yew trees. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Yet, who was in charge of placing toxic yew plants along the carriage paths? — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026

Other plants toxic to dogs and cats growing in yards across the country include sago palms, foxgloves, bluebells, crocuses, yew, hydrangea and oleanders. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Evergreens, hemlock, viburnum, yew, spruce, and holly are just a few of the trees and bushes that Stewart used. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ew, from Old English īw; akin to Old High German īwa yew, Middle Irish eó

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing yew

• English yew
• Pacific yew

Rhymes for yew

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

yew

noun

ˈyü 

1

: any of a genus of evergreen trees and shrubs that are gymnosperms with short stiff flattened needlelike leaves and seeds having a red juicy covering

2

: the wood of a yew

especially : the heavy fine-grained wood of an Old World yew that is used especially for bows and small articles

Medical Definition

yew

noun

ˈyü 

: any of a genus (Taxus of the family Taxaceae, the yew family) of evergreen trees and shrubs with stiff linear leaves and seeds surrounded by a fleshy red aril

especially : one (T. brevifolia) of the Pacific coast of the United States and Canada whose bark yields the antineoplastic drug paclitaxel