Monterey cypress

American  

noun

1. a tree, Cupressus macrocarpa, of southern California, being pyramid-shaped in youth, but spreading in age: occurs naturally in only two groves on the coast of Monterey County, California, but is cultivated extensively.

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Monterey cypress British  

noun

1. another name for macrocarpa

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Etymology

Origin of Monterey cypress

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The park’s original Depression-era structures are iconic, rising gray and craggy from the muted landscape like the Monterey cypress through the ever-present fog.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 18, 2025

While on a walk in San Francisco recently, I stumbled upon a full-on Christmas carnival in Golden Gate Park, replete with delighted children, funnel cake vendors and a Monterey cypress strung with glowing multicolored lights.

From New York Times • Dec. 15, 2023

Views of Santa Catalina Island, the open water and the coastline create a backdrop for vibrant seaside gardens, exotic palms and Monterey cypress.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 6, 2019

One of the most photographed scenes in Point Reyes, the cape north of San Francisco, is a tunnel formed by two neat rows of Monterey cypress trees.

From New York Times • Jun. 8, 2017

A large Monterey cypress with broad branches and innumerable leaves on which the dew lodges in still nights made favorite bathing-places.

From The Story of My Boyhood and Youth by Muir, John