conifer

noun

co·​ni·​fer ˈkä-nə-fər 

 also  ˈkō-

: any of an order (Coniferales) of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs having usually needle-shaped or scalelike leaves and including forms (such as pines) with true cones and others (such as yews) with an arillate fruit

coniferous

kō-ˈni-f(ə-)rəs 

kə-

adjective

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Any of an order of trees and shrubs, conifers usually have usually needle-shaped or scale-like leaves. Conifers include forms (such as pines) with true cones and others (such as yews) that bear a fruit. There are more than 550 species of conifers, and most are evergreen trees and shrubs. They grow throughout the world (except in Antarctica) and prefer temperate climate zones. They include the world's smallest and tallest trees. Conifers supply softwood timber used for general construction, boxes and crates, and other articles, as well as pulpwood for paper. The wood is also used as fuel and in the manufacture of cellulose products, plywood, and veneers. The trees are the source of resins, oils, turpentine, tars, and pharmaceuticals.

Examples of conifer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While lowland pines shed theirs after just two to four years, bristlecones can retain needle fascicles for up to 45 years, which is a record among conifers, according to a 1981 study published in Oecologia. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Grass hadn’t even taken off when non-bird dinosaurs were around — herbivores mostly would have eaten ferns, conifers, and cycads. —Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025

Thermal cover in the form of dense conifers, such as cedars, spruce, and pines. —Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 20 Mar. 2025

Purple finches like to build their nests in conifers. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Latin conifer cone-bearing, from conus cone + -fer

First Known Use

circa 1841, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for conifer

• ionophore

Kids Definition

conifer

noun

con·​i·​fer

ˈkän-ə-fər,

 also  ˈkō-nə-

: any of an order of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs having leaves resembling needles or scales in shape and including forms (as pines) with true cones