eucalyptus

American  

[yoo-kuh-lip-tuhs] / ˌyu kəˈlɪp təs /

Also eucalypt

noun

plural

eucalypti, eucalyptuses

1. any of numerous often tall trees belonging to the genus Eucalyptus, of the myrtle family, native to Australia and adjacent islands, having aromatic evergreen leaves that are the source of medicinal oils and heavy wood used as timber.

---

eucalyptus British  

/ ˌjuːkəˈlɪptəs, ˈjuːkəˌlɪpt /

noun

1. any myrtaceous tree of the mostly Australian genus Eucalyptus, such as the blue gum and ironbark, widely cultivated for the medicinal oil in their leaves ( eucalyptus oil ), timber, and ornament

---

Other Word Forms

• eucalyptic adjective

Etymology

Origin of eucalyptus

1800–10; < New Latin < Greek eu- eu- + kalyptós covered, wrapped, akin to kalýptein to cover

Explanation

Eucalyptus is an Australian plant that produces an oil with a strong, distinctive scent. Koalas are famously fond of eating eucalyptus leaves. There are more than 600 species of eucalyptus trees and shrubs, many of which are known in their native habitat of Australia and Tasmania as "gumtrees." Most North American eucalyptus is raised for its astringent scent, or for use in cut flower arrangements. The word eucalyptus was coined by an 18th-century French botanist, from the Greek eu, "well," and kalyptos, "covered," a description of the plant's flower bud.

Example Sentences

Common examples include species of acacia, eucalyptus, poplar, and pine.

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

Outside, cantilevered decks and platforms overlook a lap pool, spa, sauna and cabana shrouded in eucalyptus, sycamore, oak and bamboo.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

Trails lead past old-fashioned greenhouses, beehives, and eucalyptus, palm and cork trees.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

Koalas infected with chlamydia are usually given antibiotics but the treatment means they cannot digest eucalyptus leaves - their only food source - leading to starvation and sometimes death.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

A giant eucalyptus tree and a water well, Bir El-Shami, marked the ramp that led to a higher field ending with Grandma Fatima’s home.

From "Tasting the Sky" by Ibtisam Barakat