giant sequoia

American  

[jahy-uhnt si-kwaw-uh] / ˈdʒaɪ ənt sɪˈkwɔ ə /

noun

1. an endangered coniferous tree, Sequoiadendron giganteum (formerlySequoia gigantea ), of coastal California with massive girth and tremendous height, one of three extant species of subfamily Sequoioideae: the largest in volume and among the oldest of all living things, giant sequoias have been known to exceed 52,000 cubic feet (1,472 cubic meters) in trunk size, 300 feet (91.5 meters) in height, and 3,200 years in age.

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Etymology

Origin of giant sequoia

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Yosemite is famous for its awe-inspiring valley, while Sequoia and Kings Canyon are known for their giant sequoia trees.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 1, 2025

Honorable mention goes to the General Sherman Tree, a giant sequoia that’s one of the largest and oldest trees in the world.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2024

Old growth forests, such as the storied giant sequoia stands of northern California, have layer upon layer of undisturbed trees and vegetation.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 19, 2023

Old-growth forests, such as the storied giant sequoia stands of northern California, have layer upon layer of undisturbed trees and vegetation.

From Washington Times • Dec. 19, 2023

Many times when I walk around Manhattan I feel as if I’m walking among giant sequoia trees in the California Redwoods.

From "Bodega Dreams" by Ernesto Quinonez