cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs 

plural cacti ˈkak-ˌtī 

-(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

Prickly pear seed oil adds shine, moringa leaf extract helps prevent breakage, and cactus flower extract adds bounce and elasticity—making this non-aerosol, talc-free powder formula a strong pick for oily hair that also needs body and texture. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2026

The preview highlighted natural dyes made from food waste, the cochineal cactus, and bacteria found along the Amazon River in Brazil. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026

Trevena’s cactus-water product, Caliwater, will serve as the official hydration sponsor of Enhanced Games. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026

To see cactus and wildflower blooms, visit between late February and late April. —Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cactus

• barrel cactus
• cactus wren
• Christmas cactus
• giant cactus
• organ pipe cactus
• prickly pear cactus
• Queen of the Night cactus
• rattail cactus

Rhymes for cactus

• actus
• practice
• practise
• tractus
• malpractice

Kids Definition

cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs 

plural cacti -ˌtī 

-(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