cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs How to pronounce cactus (audio)
plural cacti ˈkak-ˌtī How to pronounce cactus (audio)
-(ˌ)tē
or cactuses also cactus
: any of a family (Cactaceae, the cactus family) of plants that have succulent stems and branches with scales or spines instead of leaves and are found especially in dry areas (such as deserts)

Examples of cactus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The room was decorated with a painting of B. B. King, a red rug, and a large cactus. E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2025 Its accessories are made from innovative materials such as apple skin, mushroom leather, coconut leather and cactus leather. Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2025 Consider Pet Safety Most cactuses are non-toxic to pets, but succulents are a mixed bag, and some common succulents aren’t safe for pets. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2025 Find your cactus a spot in a bright location or filtered sun, moisten when the surface soil begins to dry and fertilize monthly, March through September, to have a plant in bloom next year. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cactus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, cardoon, from Greek kaktos

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cactus was in 1738

Cite this Entry

“Cactus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cactus. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

cactus

noun
cac·​tus ˈkak-təs How to pronounce cactus (audio)
plural cacti -ˌtī How to pronounce cactus (audio)
-(ˌ)tē
or cactuses also cactus
: any of a large family of flowering plants able to live in dry regions and having fleshy stems and branches that bear scales or prickles instead of leaves

More from Merriam-Webster on cactus

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