What does "cedar" mean?
A coniferous tree of the genus Cedrus in the family Pinaceae.
Cedar
/ˈsi.dɚ/ name, noun
name, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A coniferous tree of the genus Cedrus in the family Pinaceae.
- Grammar: cedar is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: cedar tree, true cedar, aromatic, cedar color.
- Useful contrasts: blue, green, odorless.
- Usage evidence: They made huge, grotesque, yet beautiful poles of red cedar.
How to use "cedar"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "cedar" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "cedar" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "cedar" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "cedar" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "cedar" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "cedar tree" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "cedar", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A coniferous tree of the genus Cedrus in the family Pinaceae. countable
- 2 any cedar of the genus Cedrus wordnet
- 3 A coniferous tree of the family Cupressaceae, especially of the genera Juniperus, Cupressus, Calocedrus, or Thuja. countable
"There had been dry seasons, accumulations of dust, wind-blown seeds, and cedars rose wonderfully out of solid rock."
- 4 durable aromatic wood of any of numerous cedar trees; especially wood of the red cedar often used for cedar chests wordnet
- 5 A flowering tree of the family Meliaceae, especially of the genera Cedrela or Toona. countable
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 any of numerous trees of the family Cupressaceae that resemble cedars wordnet
- 7 The aromatic wood from a Cedrus tree, or from any of several not closely related trees. uncountable
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
- 2 A programming language, adding various features to the earlier language Mesa.
- 3 A number of places in the United States:; A ghost town in Mohave County, Arizona.
- 4 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in DeKalb County, Indiana.
- 5 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Mahaska County, Iowa.
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 A number of places in the United States:; A city in Smith County, Kansas.
- 7 A number of places in the United States:; A census-designated place in Leelanau County, Michigan.
- 8 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Mingo County, West Virginia.
- 9 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Raleigh County, West Virginia.
- 10 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Iron County, Wisconsin.
- 11 A number of places in the United States:; A number of townships in the United States, listed under Cedar Township.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"They made huge, grotesque, yet beautiful poles of red cedar."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "cedar"?
Common synonyms include: cedar tree, true cedar, aromatic, cedar color, cedar hue, cedar shade.
How do you use "cedar" in a sentence?
They made huge, grotesque, yet beautiful poles of red cedar.
How do you pronounce "cedar"?
Pronounced /ˈsi.dɚ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English cedre, probably from Old French cedre, from Latin cedrus, from Ancient Greek κέδρος (kédros). Some suggest that the Middle English word was partially from Old English ċeder, but the gap in attestation between the two words makes this proposal unlikely. Possible doublet of citrus.
Etymology 2
Probably a variant of Ceder.
Etymology 3
From cedar, because of the abundant local trees.