# yew

/ˈju/ (US) · /jˈuː/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/yew
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a type of evergreen tree with dark green needles and red berries. These trees can live for hundreds of years and are often found in old churchyards.

For teachers: any of various evergreen coniferous trees or shrubs of the genus Taxus, characterised by needle-like leaves and fleshy red arils. Often associated with longevity and historical sites; the wood is traditionally valued for its strength and elasticity.

## Examples

- The old yew tree stands in the middle of the garden.
- Ancient yew trees are a common sight in British churchyards, with some specimens estimated to be over a thousand years old.
- The longbowmen of medieval England relied on the dense, flexible wood of the yew to construct weapons capable of piercing heavy plate armour at significant distances.

## Usage notes

- Countable when referring to a specific tree or species; uncountable when referring to the wood as a material.

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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.