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
OtterBox Symmetry Cactus Leather Case for $60: This is a good-looking leather-like case, except it's made of cactus leather by a company called Desserto.
—
Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 7 Feb. 2025
The maroon structures are meant to mimic Prickly Pear cactus fruit.
—Jessica Boehm, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
The filmmakers prepare us by removing the thorns of the cactus pear and slicing open the fruit across its center.
—Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025
Christmas cactus buds start forming when the days grow short in fall.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cactus 
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.
Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 7 Feb. 2025
The maroon structures are meant to mimic Prickly Pear cactus fruit.
—Jessica Boehm, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
The filmmakers prepare us by removing the thorns of the cactus pear and slicing open the fruit across its center.
—Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025
Christmas cactus buds start forming when the days grow short in fall.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cactus
Dictionary Entries Near cactus
Cite this Entry
“Cactus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cactus. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share