English Reference

Word

conifers

US/ˈkɑnəfɝz/

UK/kənˈɪfəz/

Countable noun

Definition

n. trees with thin needle leaves that stay green all year and grow their seeds in cones.

n. cone-bearing trees or shrubs with needle-like or scale-like leaves that usually stay green all year, including pines, firs, spruces, and cedars.

Examples

“Pines and firs are common conifers in cold places.”

“The hills behind our house are full of conifers, so the air smells of pine all year.”

“Unlike broadleaf trees that shed leaves in autumn, most conifers retain their needles through winter, conserving water in cold, dry climates.”

Examples

simple

“Pines and firs are common conifers in cold places.”

contextual

“The hills behind our house are full of conifers, so the air smells of pine all year.”

complex

“Unlike broadleaf trees that shed leaves in autumn, most conifers retain their needles through winter, conserving water in cold, dry climates.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “conifers” in context.

Verb

01. conifers dominate

“Conifers dominate the landscape in the northern forests.”

noun + verb

02. conifers grow

“Conifers grow slowly but can live for hundreds of years.”

noun + verb

03. conifers thrive

“Conifers thrive in cold climates with poor soil.”

noun + verb

04. grow conifers

“Many farmers grow conifers for timber and Christmas trees.”

verb + noun

05. plant conifers

“They decided to plant conifers along the northern boundary.”

verb + noun

Adjective

06. evergreen conifers

“Evergreen conifers keep their needles green throughout winter.”

adj + noun

07. mature conifers

“Mature conifers tower over the younger trees in the park.”

adj + noun

08. native conifers

“These native conifers grow naturally in the mountain region.”

adj + noun

Noun

09. grove of conifers

“We picnicked in a quiet grove of conifers.”

noun + prep + noun

10. a row of tall conifers

“They planted a row of tall conifers to block the wind.”

11. forest dominated by conifers

“We hiked through a forest dominated by conifers.”

12. planted with evergreen conifers

“The hillside was planted with evergreen conifers.”

Real-World Examples

“There is an old expression, “if it doesn’t crack, throw it back.” The best kindling is that from softwoods like the conifers since this type of wood burns very hot and very fast.”
Outdoor Life 12 Nov 2021
“Most conifers ripen their seeds in late summer or early fall, the cones’ scales spreading to disperse their seeds in the weeks or months that follow.”
Associated Press 20 Dec 2016
“The region is covered by what is known as the 'Acadian Forest', which contains plenty of broadleaf trees like sugar maples mixed with evergreens such as conifers.”
Reuters 8 Jun 2023
“Conifers are declining at a faster rate than our broadleaf deciduous species," Cope remarked while examining a towering knobcone pine that had lost half of its canopy.”
Associated Press 15 Nov 2022

Related words

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/conifers

English Reference