tree
chrihy
Tree (noun) means a tall woody plant with a single trunk and branches. Example: “Children climbed the old tree to build a small den.”
noun
1
A tall woody plant with a single trunk and branches.
"Children climbed the old tree to build a small den."
"Leaves fall from the tree in autumn and cover the path."
"They planted an oak tree in the backyard."
2
A branching diagram showing hierarchical relationships.
"The teacher drew a tree on the board to show how the words connect."
"Click on the file tree to open each folder in the project."
"She drew a family tree going back four generations."
verb
1
To chase an animal or person up a tree.
"The barking terrier treed a squirrel at the edge of the park."
"Our cat was treed by the neighbour's dog and would not come down."
"The dogs treed a raccoon in the old elm."
How to use tree
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tree is the tall plant with a trunk and branches, but the word also describes any branching diagram, like a family tree or decision tree.
Common pairings
family tree
decision tree
up a tree
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- trees
- Past tense
- treed
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Children climbed the old _____ to build a small den.
Etymology
From Old English trēow, "tree" — related to "true" and "tar," from a very old Indo-European root for wood.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for tree
See all rhymes for tree →Frequently asked questions
What does “tree” mean?
The word “tree” means a tall woody plant with a single trunk and branches. In plain terms, a tree is the tall plant with a trunk and branches, but the word also describes any branching diagram, like a family tree or decision tree.
How do you pronounce “tree”?
“Tree” is pronounced chrihy (/tɹiː/ in IPA).
How do you use “tree” in a sentence?
Here is “tree” used in a sentence: “They planted an oak tree in the backyard.”
What part of speech is “tree”?
Depending on how it is used, “tree” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “tree” come from?
The word “tree” comes from Old English. From Old English trēow, "tree" — related to "true" and "tar," from a very old Indo-European root for wood.
Is “tree” a common word?
“Tree” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “tree” have?
“Tree” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tall woody plant with a single trunk and branches.
What is the difference between a tree and a shrub?
A tree is usually a tall woody plant with a single main trunk and branches held well above the ground. A shrub is shorter and typically has several woody stems rising from near the base, with no clear single trunk. Height and trunk structure are the main ways people tell them apart.
What are the main parts of a tree?
A tree has three main parts: the roots, which anchor it and draw up water and nutrients; the trunk, which supports the plant and carries those materials upward; and the crown of branches and leaves, where sunlight is turned into food through photosynthesis. Bark protects the trunk and branches.
Why are trees important?
Trees produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, helping to clean the air and slow climate change. They provide food and habitat for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, offer shade, and supply timber, fruit, and countless other materials. They also improve wellbeing, making green spaces valuable to towns and cities.
What is the difference between deciduous and evergreen trees?
Deciduous trees, such as oak and maple, shed all their leaves in autumn and grow new ones in spring. Evergreen trees, such as pine and fir, keep their leaves or needles year-round, replacing them gradually. The difference explains why some woods look bare in winter while others stay green.
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