pine
pyn
Pine (noun) means an evergreen coniferous tree with needle-like leaves, or the wood it produces. Example: “A tall pine stood at the edge of the garden, dropping cones onto the lawn.”
noun
1
An evergreen coniferous tree with needle-like leaves, or the wood it produces.
"A tall pine stood at the edge of the garden, dropping cones onto the lawn."
"They planted a row of pines along the driveway."
"The cabin was built from solid pine."
verb
1
To long for something painfully, especially someone absent, or to waste away from grief or longing.
"The old dog began to pine whenever his owner left for work."
"She pined for her family back home."
"He pined away after losing the love of his life."
How to use pine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs a noun, a type of evergreen tree; as a verb, to ache with longing for someone or something.
Common mistake
The tree sense and the "long for" sense look identical but come from different roots — context makes the meaning obvious.
Common pairings
pine for someone
pine forest
pine needles
pine away
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Word forms
- Plural
- pines
- Third person singular
- pines
- Past tense
- pined
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A tall _____ stood at the edge of the garden, dropping cones onto the lawn.
Etymology
From Old English pin, ultimately from Latin pinus, the same root that gives us "pineapple."
Related words
Rhymes for pine
See all rhymes for pine →Frequently asked questions
What does “pine” mean?
The word “pine” means an evergreen coniferous tree with needle-like leaves, or the wood it produces. In plain terms, as a noun, a type of evergreen tree; as a verb, to ache with longing for someone or something.
How do you pronounce “pine”?
“Pine” is pronounced pyn (/paɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “pine” in a sentence?
Here is “pine” used in a sentence: “They planted a row of pines along the driveway.”
What part of speech is “pine”?
Depending on how it is used, “pine” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pine” come from?
The word “pine” comes from Latin. From Old English pin, ultimately from Latin pinus, the same root that gives us "pineapple.".
Is “pine” a common word?
“Pine” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “pine” have?
“Pine” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an evergreen coniferous tree with needle-like leaves, or the wood it produces.
What is the difference between pine and other conifers like fir or spruce?
Pine, fir, and spruce are all evergreen coniferous trees, but they differ in their needles. Pine needles typically grow in small clusters or bundles, while fir and spruce needles are usually attached singly along the branch.
What is the difference between 'pine for' and 'pine away'?
To pine for something means to long for it painfully, especially a person who is absent. To pine away goes further, describing someone who gradually weakens or wastes away from grief or longing.
Is pine a hardwood or a softwood?
Pine is classed as a softwood because it comes from a coniferous, needle-bearing tree. Softwood refers to the botanical source rather than how hard the timber actually is, and pine is widely used in furniture and construction.
