noun Uncommon

cedar

SEE-duh

Cedar (noun) means a large coniferous evergreen tree prized for its fragrant, durable wood. Example: “They planted a row of cedars along the driveway.”

noun

A large coniferous evergreen tree prized for its fragrant, durable wood.

"They planted a row of cedars along the driveway."

"The old cedar in the churchyard was said to be 300 years old."

The reddish, sweet-smelling wood of this tree, often used for chests, closets, and outdoor furniture because it resists rot and insects.

"The blanket box was lined with cedar to keep moths away."

"Cedar decking weathers to a soft silver-grey over time."

How to use cedar

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tree (or its wood) known for its pleasant smell and resistance to rot.

Common pairings

cedar chest cedar shingles red cedar cedar-lined closet

Word forms

cedars plural, Cedars plural

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They planted a row of _____ along the driveway.

Etymology

From Middle English cedre, via Old French cedre, from Latin cedrus, from Ancient Greek kedros.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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cedarwood

Frequently asked questions

What does “cedar” mean?

The word “cedar” means a large coniferous evergreen tree prized for its fragrant, durable wood. In plain terms, a tree (or its wood) known for its pleasant smell and resistance to rot.

How do you pronounce “cedar”?

“Cedar” is pronounced SEE-duh (/ˈsi.dɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “cedar” in a sentence?

Here is “cedar” used in a sentence: “They planted a row of cedars along the driveway.”

What part of speech is “cedar”?

“Cedar” is a noun.

Where does the word “cedar” come from?

The word “cedar” comes from Ancient Greek. From Middle English cedre, via Old French cedre, from Latin cedrus, from Ancient Greek kedros.

Is “cedar” a common word?

“Cedar” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “cedar” have?

“Cedar” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large coniferous evergreen tree prized for its fragrant, durable wood.

What is cedar wood typically used for?

Cedar wood is often used for chests, closets, and outdoor furniture because it resists rot and insects. Its fragrant, durable qualities also make it popular for lining storage spaces to deter moths.

What is the difference between cedar the tree and cedar the wood?

Cedar can refer to the large coniferous evergreen tree itself, or to the reddish, sweet-smelling wood harvested from that tree. Context usually clarifies which sense is meant.

Why is cedar valued over other types of wood?

Cedar is prized for its fragrant scent and durability, particularly its natural resistance to rot and insect damage, which makes it well suited to outdoor use and long-term storage furniture.

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Words with Greek origins