Spanish moss

noun

: an epiphytic plant (Tillandsia usneoides) of the pineapple family forming pendent tufts of grayish-green filaments on trees from the southern U.S. to Argentina

Illustration of Spanish moss

Illustration of spanish moss

Examples of Spanish moss 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.
There looks like small Spanish moss sprouting on one of our bushes. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2026 That was the background; in the foreground were about a dozen ancient live-oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. — Fred A. Bernstein, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2026 With cobblestone streets, Spanish moss and 22 grand historic squares connected by a pedestrian-friendly grid, this city rewards those who explore it on foot and by bike. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026 North Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia Trade Spanish moss for grassy dunes at this coastal haven that's perfect for a quiet getaway. — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Spanish moss

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Spanish moss was in 1823

Rhymes for Spanish moss

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Browse Nearby Words

Spanish milled dollar
Spanish moss
Spanish n
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Cite this Entry

“Spanish moss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Spanish%20moss. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Spanish moss

noun
: a plant related to the pineapple that forms hanging tufts of grayish green threadlike strands on trees from the southern U.S. to Argentina

More from Merriam-Webster on Spanish moss

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Spanish moss

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