Joshua tree

noun

1. an evergreen tree, Yucca brevifolia, growing in arid or desert regions of the southwestern U.S., having long, twisted branches.

Joshua tree

noun

1. a treelike desert yucca plant, Yucca brevifolia, of the southwestern US, with sword-shaped leaves and greenish-white flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of Joshua tree¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Word History and Origins

Origin of Joshua tree¹

named after the prophet Joshua, alluding to the extended branches of the tree

Example Sentences

In the white heat of salesmanship, an L.A. real estate agent is said to have stuck oranges on Joshua trees and sold plots as groves.

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It is here, on a sunny lot thick with Joshua trees, that you plan to build your retirement home.

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California has approved an unprecedented plan to protect the iconic Joshua tree from climate change and development.

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“This area is important for the long-term survival of the Joshua trees,” Rockwell said.

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For several years now, he has worked to protect the western Joshua tree, and he said its iconic, beloved status helped get a state law passed to protect it.

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