juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

1

a

: any of numerous shrubs or trees (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family with leaves resembling needles or scales and female cones usually resembling berries

b

: the berrylike cone or fruit of a juniper

especially : the bluish one of a common juniper (J. communis) which is used to flavor foods and from which is obtained an acrid essential oil used especially as a flavoring in gin and liqueurs

called also juniper berry

2

: any of several coniferous trees resembling true junipers

Examples of juniper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Besides the oak sapling, the volunteers planted a variety of trees including sweet gum, Kentucky coffee, catalpa, red bud, sugar berry, bald cypress, juniper and arborvitae. —Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

But in recent years, junipers have been having a moment, thanks to exciting new varieties coming onto the market. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2026

Alternatively, book one of the two castaway treatment rooms at the beach, glimpsing the turquoise sea through the lentisk and juniper trees. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

In addition to allowing people to reach great heights without leaving their car — or having a four-wheel drive vehicle — the byway is notoriously scenic, offering ongoing views of juniper hills and open meadows, followed by views of the Continental Divide and the entire Front Range. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English junipere, from Latin juniperus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing juniper

• juniper tar

Kids Definition

juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

1

a

: any of numerous evergreen shrubs and trees that are related to the pines but produce female cones resembling berries

b

: the berrylike cone or fruit of a juniper

2

: any of various evergreen trees resembling true junipers

Medical Definition

juniper

noun

ju·​ni·​per ˈjü-nə-pər 

: an evergreen shrub or tree (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family (Cupressaceae)

especially : one having a prostrate or shrubby habit (as Juniperus communis)