tree

1 of 2

noun

plural trees
1
a
: a woody perennial plant having a single usually elongate main stem generally with few or no branches on its lower part
b
: a shrub or herb of arborescent form
rose trees
a banana tree
2
: something in the form of or resembling a tree: such as
a
: a diagram or graph that branches usually from a simple stem or vertex without forming loops or polygons
a genealogical tree
phylogenetic trees
b
: a much-branched system of channels especially in an animal body
the vascular tree
3
a(1)
: a piece of wood (such as a post or pole) usually adapted to a particular use or forming part of a structure or implement
(2)
archaic : the cross on which Jesus was crucified
b
archaic : gallows
4
treeless adjective
treelike adjective

see also out of one's tree

tree

2 of 2

verb

treed; treeing

transitive verb

1
a
: to drive to or up a tree
treed by a bull
dogs treeing game
b
: to put into a position of extreme disadvantage : corner
especially : to bring to bay
2
: to furnish or fit (a shoe) with a tree

Examples of tree in a Sentence

Noun He chopped down the tree.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The 2-acre property on Puget Sound's Poverty Bay has mature trees, sweeping lawns, a tiled pool, a large sea-facing terrace, and 140 feet of private shoreline, with shopping and dining nearby. The Week Staff, theweek, 12 Nov. 2024 This combination was perfect for California’s June Mountain side-country, where testers pushed the boot’s limits through tight trees, open glades, and steep, consequential descents. Outside Editors, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
Verb
Allergies to tree nuts, like almonds, are among the most common food allergies in both children and adults. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2024 Classifying these nuts can be vital, particularly for people who have severe allergies to tree nuts. Delaney Nothaft, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for tree 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English trēow; akin to Old Norse trē tree, Greek drys, Sanskrit dāru wood

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tree was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near tree

Cite this Entry

“Tree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tree. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

tree

1 of 2 noun
1
a
: a woody plant that lives for years and has a usually single tall main stem with few or no branches on its lower part
b
: a shrub or herb that has a form like a tree
rose trees
a banana tree
2
: a piece of wood (as a post or pole) put to a particular use of forming part of a structure or device
3
: something shaped like or arranged in a form like a tree
especially : a diagram or graph in branching form compare factor tree, family tree sense 2
treeless adjective
treelike adjective

tree

2 of 2 verb
treed; treeing
1
: to drive up or as if up a tree
2
: to furnish or fit with a tree
tree an axle

Medical Definition

tree

noun
: an anatomical system or structure having many branches
the vascular tree
see biliary tree, bronchial tree, tracheobronchial tree

Biographical Definition

Tree

biographical name

Sir Herbert (Draper) Beerbohm 1853–1917 English actor-manager

More from Merriam-Webster on tree

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