red cedar

noun

1
: a common juniper (Juniperus virginiana) chiefly of the eastern U.S. that has dark green closely imbricated scalelike leaves
also : a related tree (J. silicicola) of the southeastern U.S.
2
: western red cedar sense 1
3
: the red or reddish-brown wood of a red cedar

Examples of red cedar 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.
The home's exterior is finished in red cedar and topped by a metal roof. — New Atlas, 27 Nov. 2025 As a substitute for flowers, Ballato points out that eastern red cedar does produce colorful blue berries. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026 Burning, which is effective for eastern red cedar, is not effective in controlling Bradford pear. — Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026 This disease requires two species to complete its life cycle, Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) cultivars and crabapples or apples. — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for red cedar

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of red cedar was in 1682

Rhymes for red cedar

See All Rhymes for red cedar

Browse Nearby Words

red carpet
red cedar
red cent
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

red cedar

noun
1
: any of several U.S. evergreen trees that are conifers with scalelike leaves and fragrant red or reddish brown wood
2
: the wood of a red cedar
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