# juniper

/ˈdʒunəpɝ/ (US) · /dʒˈuːnɪpɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/juniper
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a small evergreen tree or bush that has berries with a strong smell. These berries are often used to give gin its special flavor.

For teachers: an evergreen coniferous tree or shrub of the cypress family, typically bearing berry-like cones. The aromatic fruit is widely used as a culinary spice and as the primary flavoring agent in gin.

## Examples

- The hills are covered in wild juniper bushes.
- The chef added crushed juniper berries to the sauce to give the venison a sharp, pine-like aroma.
- Ecologists are monitoring the spread of juniper across the limestone pavement, as its dense growth can shade out rare wildflower species that depend on open sunlight.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the wood or the plant species generally; countable when referring to individual trees or specific varieties.

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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.