mesquite

noun

mes·​quite mə-ˈskēt 

me-

: any of several spiny leguminous trees or shrubs (genus Prosopis and especially P. glandulosa) chiefly of the southwestern U.S. that often form extensive thickets and have sweet pods eaten by livestock

also : the wood of the mesquite used especially in grilling food

Illustration of mesquite

• 1 flower and leaves
• 2 pod

Examples of mesquite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Indigenous ingredients make ample appearances on chef Donald Hawk's menu, from mesquite and elote pastas to tepary bean dips and huitlacoche butter. —Felicia Campbell, The Arizona Republic, 24 Dec. 2024

Tucson’s skyline and freeways lay 20 miles downhill from the ocotillos, mesquites and saguaros that ring the Santa Ritas. —Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 19 Dec. 2024

The region is bordered by vast ranches and fields of mesquite, as well as colonias, where thousands of agricultural workers live in trailer homes. —Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024

Adding natural smoke flavorings derived from hickory or mesquite can also give alternative meats a similar aroma. —Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from Nahuatl mizquitl

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mesquite

noun

mes·​quite mə-ˈskēt 

me-

: a thorny deep-rooted tree or shrub of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico that belongs to the legume family, produces pods rich in sugar, and is important as food for livestock

also : the wood of the mesquite used especially in grilling food

Geographical Definition

Mesquite

geographical name

Mes·​quite mə-ˈskēt 

me-

city in northeastern Texas east of Dallas population 139,824