conifer
noun
Did you know?
Any of an order of trees and shrubs, conifers usually have usually needle-shaped or scale-like leaves. Conifers include forms (such as pines) with true cones and others (such as yews) that bear a fruit. There are more than 550 species of conifers, and most are evergreen trees and shrubs. They grow throughout the world (except in Antarctica) and prefer temperate climate zones. They include the world's smallest and tallest trees. Conifers supply softwood timber used for general construction, boxes and crates, and other articles, as well as pulpwood for paper. The wood is also used as fuel and in the manufacture of cellulose products, plywood, and veneers. The trees are the source of resins, oils, turpentine, tars, and pharmaceuticals.
Examples of conifer in a Sentence
Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 14 Jan. 2025
The Horton Fire, which covers 769 acres of Ponderosa pine, conifer and chaparral, has at least not moved west in the past few days above the Highline Trail, a 57-mile route popular for backpacking, camping and hiking.
—Caitlin McGlade, The Arizona Republic, 23 Dec. 2024
This eclectic round up of candles features creations that highlight everything from warming spices, bracing conifers and gourmands galore.
—Bea McMonagle, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
The fire was under investigation but believed to be human-caused, burning acres of ponderosa pines and mixed conifer forest.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 22 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for conifer 
Dictionary Entries Near conifer
Cite this Entry
“Conifer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conifer. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Copy Citation
Share