# cacti

/ˈkæktaɪ/ (US) · /kˈæktaɪ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cacti
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

the plural form of cactus. These are desert plants with thick stems and sharp spines instead of leaves.

For teachers: the Latinate plural of 'cactus'. Refers to succulent plants of the family Cactaceae, typically characterized by fleshy stems and protective spines.

## Examples

- The desert is full of tall cacti.
- She decided to fill her sunny windowsill with various small cacti because they require very little water.
- While many gardeners prefer the standard plural 'cactuses', the term 'cacti' remains the preferred choice in botanical literature and formal horticultural contexts.

## Pitfalls

- Not "a cacti" but "a cactus" — Cacti is the plural form; use 'cactus' when referring to a single plant.

## Usage notes

- The plural form of 'cactus'; takes a plural verb.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.