big tree

American  

[big tree] / ˈbɪg ˈtri /

noun

1. giant sequoia.

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big tree British  

noun

1. Also called: giant sequoia.   wellingtonia.  a giant Californian coniferous tree, Sequoiadendron giganteum , with a wide tapering trunk and thick spongy bark: family Taxodiaceae . It often reaches a height of 90 metres See also sequoia

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Etymology

Origin of big tree

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

I was especially wary of the big tree at the edge of the cliffs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

"I'm seeing a lot more trees down. And there's a big tree that just fell over there, and I probably shouldn't be out here."

From Reuters • Aug. 21, 2023

Sands had his cellphone — it was perched on a rock beneath a big tree.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2023

“There’s a big tree that survived this,” Churchill said, pointing to the pine.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 6, 2022

The rain pounds against the windows, and the big tree in the yard bends in the howling wind.

From "Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun" by Hena Khan