arborvitae

noun

ar·​bor·​vi·​tae ˌär-bər-ˈvī-tē 

: any of various evergreen trees and shrubs (especially genus Thuja) of the cypress family that usually have closely overlapping or compressed scale leaves and are often grown for ornament and in hedges

Examples of arborvitae in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Picture these South Louisville neighborhoods being gradually hugged by a growing mix of pines, hollies, arborvitaes, magnolias, dogwoods, oaks, and more. —Bill Frist, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

Reducing the height of a tall arborvitae will stunt the top growth and give it a permanent gap or flat-looking top. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2024

Tall green arborvitaes stand sentinel around the grounds of the picture-perfect Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden®, keeping watch over the half-acre space full of colorful plants and gardening inspiration. —Jeanne Ambrose, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2023

Several 25-foot arborvitae trees and a new fence create a sense of tranquility and privacy for the home. —Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2022

Word History

Etymology

New Latin arbor vitae, literally, tree of life

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

arborvitae

noun

ar·​bor·​vi·​tae ˌär-bər-ˈvīt-ē 

: any of various evergreen trees and shrubs with closely overlapping scalelike leaves that are often grown for ornament and hedges

Etymology

modern Latin arbor vitae, literally "tree of life"