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manzanita

American  
[man-zuh-nee-tuh] / ˌmæn zəˈni tə /

noun

  1. any of several western North American shrubs or small trees belonging to the genus Arctostaphylos, of the heath family, having leathery leaves and clusters of white to pink flowers.

  2. the fruit of one of these shrubs.


Etymology

Origin of manzanita

1840–50, < Spanish, diminutive of manzana apple; see manchineel

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They include the Santa Rosa Island manzanita and soft-leaved paintbrush, according to the park service.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Hikers can see California buckwheat, arroyo willow, black sage, big berry manzanita and hairy ceanothus.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2024

On the slopes, manzanita bushes and blades of grass were poking through patches of what little snow had landed.

From New York Times • Dec. 28, 2023

A grapevine, manzanita or eucalyptus wreath makes a year-round framework for temporal additions like holly sprigs in December, followed by forsythia or pussy willows in March.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2023

In the afternoon heat they snooze in the dusty dirt beneath that tangle of manzanita trees.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

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