English Reference
noun · verb

pine

n. · v.
US /ˈpaɪn/ UK /pˈaɪn/ pine UK spelling pined, pining

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.an evergreen tree with long needles and cones instead of leaves.

    n.any coniferous tree of the genus Pinus, characterised by needle-shaped leaves and seed-bearing cones.

    Simple

    The air in the mountains smelled strongly of pine and fresh rain.

    In context

    The hillside was densely forested with ancient pines that provided a natural windbreak for the small village nestled in the valley below.

    coniferevergreen
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.the pale wood from a pine tree, often used for making furniture.

    n.the wood of the pine tree, typically used in construction and furniture making for its durability and straight grain.

    Simple

    We bought a simple pine table for the kitchen.

    In context

    The carpenter recommended untreated pine for the interior shelving, noting its affordability and the ease with which it could be stained to match the existing decor.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced InformalAmerican English Sport

    n.the bench where players sit when they are not active in a game.

    n.the seating area for substitute players or those not currently participating in play.

    Simple

    The star player spent the entire second half riding the pine after his injury.

    In context

    After a series of defensive errors, the coach decided the rookie would be better off riding the pine for the remainder of the tournament.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    v.to miss someone or something so much that you feel unhappy or sick.

    v.to suffer a mental or physical decline because of a broken heart or intense longing for something unattainable.

    Simple

    The dog would pine for his owner every time she went away on a trip.

    In context

    In the classic novel, the protagonist begins to pine for her lost home, eventually falling ill from the sheer weight of her nostalgia.

    Usage

    usually followed by the preposition 'for'

    yearnlonglanguish

Usage pine forest · pine forests

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated