ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cypress

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈsaɪpɹəs// UK //sˈaɪpɹəs// cy·press

n. a type of tall, thin evergreen tree with dark green leaves that look like scales. These trees often grow in warm climates and are sometimes linked to sadness or cemeteries.

n. any of various coniferous trees or shrubs belonging to the family Cupressaceae, typically featuring scale-like leaves and small woody cones.


SIMPLE

A tall cypress tree grows in the middle of the garden.

CONTEXTUAL

The narrow road was lined with ancient cypress trees that provided a welcome bit of shade from the Mediterranean sun.

COMPLEX

In classical literature, the cypress is frequently employed as a symbol of mourning and eternal life, often appearing in descriptions of burial grounds across southern Europe.

Origin

From Middle English cipres, from Old French cipres (French cyprès), from Late Latin cypressus; compare Hebrew גֹּפֶר (gōp̄er), the name of the tree whose wood was used to make the ark (Genesis. vi:14), also κύπρος (relating to aromatic pitch).

Usage

Often used as a modifier in compound nouns like 'cypress wood' or 'cypress grove'.

© 2026 English Reference