sakura

American  

[sah-koo-ruh] / sɑˈkʊ rə /

noun

Japanese.

sakura plural

1. a tree, especially a cherry tree, that is densely covered with blossoms during its flowering time.

2. the blossom or blossoms of a tree, especially a cherry tree, that is noted for the beauty of its flowering time.

   We playfully try to catch the last of the sakura as they fall and float like pink snowflakes into our open hands.

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• sakura
  plural

Etymology

Origin of sakura

First recorded in 1880–85; from Japanese; literally, “cherry tree”

Explanation

Springtime in Japan brings the blooming of the sakura, or cherry blossoms, which are beloved in the country for their scent and beauty. Sakura is the Japanese name for any ornamental cherry tree — that is, one grown for its flowers rather than its fruit — and also for the blossoms of those trees. The varieties common in Japan are sometimes called "Japanese cherry trees" in English. Sitting and enjoying the cherry blossoms during their brief season is an important cultural event for many people in Japan, and the blooms are often pickled and used in cooking.

Example Sentences

Japanese company Sakura Internet’s stock rises 20% after being named a Microsoft AI partner.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

A Sakura spokesperson declined to elaborate on Tanaka’s remarks, saying the CEO had made them in his personal capacity, not on the company’s behalf.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are a beautiful, short-lived manifestation of this seasonal change that the country celebrates in festivals, food and drink.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

Sakura season in Japan attracts millions of tourists a year - but a UK spa town's residents argue a 6,000-mile flight isn't required to witness spectacular blooms.

From BBC • May 1, 2025

I tap to accept it, and a moment later, Sakura Morimoto’s voice comes on through speakers hidden throughout my room.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu