live oak

American  

[lahyv] / laɪv /

noun

1. an evergreen oak, Quercus virginiana, of the southern U.S., having a short, broad trunk and shiny, oblong leaves: the state tree of Georgia.

2. any of various related trees.

3. the hard, durable wood of any of these trees.

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live oak British  

/ laɪv /

noun

1. a hard-wooded evergreen oak, Quercus virginianus, of S North America: used for shipbuilding

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Etymology

Origin of live oak

An Americanism dating back to 1600–10

Example Sentences

Death cap mushrooms are known to sprout across the state of California but they thrive in shady, humid or moist environments under live oak and cultivated cork oak trees.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2026

In the Golden State, the beetles are attacking the coast live oak, canyon live oak and the California black oak.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 10, 2026

Green-roofed cabins housing hundreds of campers and staff dotted the area, which is lush with cypress and live oak trees.

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2025

Having healthy, irrigated California live oak and sycamore trees on your property can save your house, Syphard said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2025

I knew that they grew around old live oak trees.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan