Joshua tree

noun

: a tall branched arborescent yucca (Yucca brevifolia) of arid regions of the southwestern U.S. that has clustered greenish-white flowers

Illustration of Joshua tree

Illustration of joshua tree

Examples of Joshua tree 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.
Much of the action finds the gang surrounded by sand dunes and Joshua trees. — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2026 The headlights of the long-haul trucks illuminated Joshua trees and darting bats. — Hazlitt, 7 Jan. 2026 Camping in this desert oasis means sleeping among the rocks and iconic Joshua trees under a dark sky that's prime for stargazing. — Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026 In 2020, the Dome fire decimated what was then known as the world’s densest Joshua tree forest. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for Joshua tree

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Joshua tree was in 1884

Rhymes for Joshua tree

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Browse Nearby Words

Joshua
Joshua tree
Joshua Tree National Park
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Cite this Entry

“Joshua tree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Joshua%20tree. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Joshua tree

noun
: a tall branched yucca of the southwestern U.S. with short leaves and clusters of greenish white flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on Joshua tree

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Joshua tree

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