# cypress

/ˈsaɪpɹəs/ (US) · /sˈaɪpɹəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cypress
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the tree

noun · CEFR B2

a tall evergreen tree with small, scale-like leaves and a dark appearance.

For teachers: any of various evergreen coniferous trees or shrubs of the family Cupressaceae, especially those of the genus Cupressus.

- The tall cypress trees stood like dark shadows along the road to the village.
- The landscape was dominated by slender Mediterranean cypresses, their dark vertical forms providing a sharp contrast to the sun-bleached hills.

### 2. the wood

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the hard, long-lasting wood from a cypress tree.

For teachers: the durable, decay-resistant wood obtained from a cypress tree, often used in construction or furniture.

- They used cypress wood for the outdoor deck because it does not rot easily.
- Due to its natural resistance to moisture and insects, cypress is a preferred material for exterior siding and heavy structural beams.

## Examples

- A tall cypress tree grows in the middle of the garden.
- The narrow road was lined with ancient cypress trees that provided a welcome bit of shade from the Mediterranean sun.
- 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.

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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.