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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• eucalyptic adjective

Etymology

Origin of eucalyptus

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

Example Sentences

The company, which makes shoes from wool and eucalyptus, attracted young Bay Area consumers and celebrities for its sustainable practices, but has since struggled to find its footing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

But most beat it back to the city without venturing to neighboring Colares, a verdant region of cypress and eucalyptus, with a generous supply of fruit stands and antique shops, gradually sloping to lesser-known beaches.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

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

He moves a few steps forward and disappears from view, hidden by the edge of a eucalyptus grove that borders both our properties.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson