cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs 

plural cacti ˈkak-ˌtī 

-(ˌ)tē

or cactuses also cactus

: any of a family (Cactaceae, the cactus family) of plants that have succulent stems and branches with scales or spines instead of leaves and are found especially in dry areas (such as deserts)

Examples of cactus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, in the summer of 2020, Mr. Pike watched the sky turn orange as the Bush fire burned 193,000 acres, killing roughly 80,000 saguaros, the distinctive cactuses with cartoonish curved arms. —Anna Watts, New York Times, 3 May 2025

Dragon fruit grow on a vining cactus in full to partial sun. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2025

Varieties will include succulents, cactus, protea, epiphyllum, bulbs, cuttings and native plants. Accessories that are expected to be sold include garden crafts, garden art, gently used garden decor and tools. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2025

Although the saguaro cactus blooms usually peak toward the end of May, there are plenty of other flowering cacti in the park in bloom in late April. —Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, cardoon, from Greek kaktos

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cactus

• barrel cactus
• cactus wren
• Christmas cactus
• giant cactus
• organ pipe cactus
• prickly pear cactus
• queen of the night cactus
• rattail cactus

Rhymes for cactus

• actus
• practice
• practise
• tractus
• malpractice

Kids Definition

cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs 

plural cacti -ˌtī 

-(ˌ)tē

or cactuses also cactus

: any of a large family of flowering plants able to live in dry regions and having fleshy stems and branches that bear scales or prickles instead of leaves