juniper

American  

[joo-nuh-per] / ˈdʒu nə pər /

noun

1. any evergreen, coniferous shrub or tree of the genus Juniperus, especially J. communis, having cones that resemble dark-blue or blackish berries used in flavoring gin and in medicine as a diuretic.

2. a tree mentioned in the Old Testament, said to be the retem.

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juniper British  

/ ˈdʒuːnɪpə /

noun

1. any coniferous shrub or small tree of the genus Juniperus, of the N hemisphere, having purple berry-like cones. The cones of J. communis ( common or dwarf juniper ) are used as a flavouring in making gin See also red cedar

2. any of various similar trees, grown mainly as ornamentals

3. Old Testament one of the trees used in the building of Solomon's temple (I Kings 6:15, 34) and for shipbuilding (Ezekiel 27:5)

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Etymology

Origin of juniper

1350–1400; Middle English junipere < Latin jūniperus

Example Sentences

Horvitz also left some of the original inhabitants of the garden intact, including a rose bush, juniper and four o’clocks.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2025

And Pernod Ricard launched a non-alcoholic version of gin, along with Cinzano Spritz 0% and Ceder’s, a gin-like non-alcoholic beverage with botanical notes of juniper, rooibos and buchu.

From Salon • Jan. 18, 2025

When rarer trees are found, like wild service, black poplar and juniper, seed is taken for growing in polytunnels and outdoors at the nursery until they are ready to be planted.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2024

Eventually, he settled on the eight most frequently mentioned: desert dates, Yemeni Sidr honey, sycamore figs, Israeli golden raisins, prickly juniper berries, carob fruit, black cumin and frankincense.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2024

The clay and snow were churned into a muddy trench along the gate where the cattle had milled around, pushing their bony heads against the juniper poles, working for another escape.

From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko