cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs How to pronounce cactus (audio)
plural cacti ˈkak-ˌtī How to pronounce cactus (audio)
-(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
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.
He was covered in hundreds of cholla cactus spines from nose to tail and could not move. — Sydney Page, Washington Post, 10 June 2026 Grow prickly pear cactus in a fast-draining area, such as a gravel garden. — Daniel Scott, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026 Combine equal parts of cactus potting soil, fine orchid bark, and perlite for fast drainage. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 June 2026 Jack Quaid wears a fun cactus button down and bright orange bag to Jimmy Kimmel Live! — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cactus

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cactus was in 1738

Phrases Containing cactus

Rhymes for cactus

See All Rhymes for cactus

Browse Nearby Words

cactoblastis
cactus
cactus alkaloid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cactus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cactus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cactus

noun
cac·​tus ˈkak-təs How to pronounce cactus (audio)
plural cacti -ˌtī How to pronounce cactus (audio)
-(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

More from Merriam-Webster on cactus

Nglish: Translation of cactus for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cactus

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