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

From this garden, enclosed by walls of clipped Monterey cypress, one looks at the tower and is at once translated to Southern California.

From The Jewel City by Macomber, Ben