palmetto

noun

pal·​met·​to pal-ˈme-(ˌ)tō 

 also  pä-,

päl-,

pȯ-,

pȯl-

plural palmettos or palmettoes

1

: any of several usually low-growing fan-leaved palms

especially : cabbage palmetto

2

: strips of the leaf blade of a palmetto used in weaving

Illustration of palmetto

• palmetto 1

Examples of palmetto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Saw palmetto adds a touch of shine, while ginseng antioxidants swoop in to protect against free radical damage. —Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2025

Located on Florida’s Nature Coast, the property is a picturesque landscape of pine, palmetto, and oak trees among sandy dunes. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025

Take full advantage of the miles of biking trails that meander among oaks, palmettos, and magnolias. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2025

Drivers unfamiliar with this stretch of U.S. Highway 17 likely pay little attention to the remains of a 75-foot brick chimney that powered the old rice mill or the huge kiln nearby, both planted in the lush landscape of palmetto trees and marsh grass. —Melissa L. Cooper, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish palmito, from palma palm, from Latin

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing palmetto

• cabbage palmetto
• palmetto bass
• palmetto bug
• saw palmetto

Kids Definition

palmetto

noun

pal·​met·​to pal-ˈmet-ō 

plural palmettos or palmettoes

: any of several usually low-growing palms with fan-shaped leaves