sakura

American  

[sah-koo-ruh] / sɑˈkʊ rə /

noun

Japanese.

plural

sakura

1. a tree, especially a cherry tree, that is densely covered with blossoms during its flowering time.

2. the blossom or blossoms of a tree, especially a cherry tree, that is noted for the beauty of its flowering time.

   We playfully try to catch the last of the sakura as they fall and float like pink snowflakes into our open hands.

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Etymology

Origin of sakura

First recorded in 1880–85; from Japanese; literally, “cherry tree”

Example Sentences

The tiny white and pink petals of cherry flowers, known as sakura, herald the start of spring in Japan, and full bloom ushers in a brief period of boisterous outdoor parties held by residents.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

"In recent years it has attracted lots of Japanese tourists celebrating the importance of the blossom, which is known by them as sakura."

From BBC • May 1, 2025

But even if you miss sakura season, you really need to see this place.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 1, 2024

And every kind of mochi gets me excited, from the ice-cream-stuffed mochi bites at TJ's to pink sakura mochi wrapped in a cherry blossom leaf.

From Salon • Aug. 12, 2021

If the plum invited admiration, the cherry commands it; for to see the sakura in flower for the first time is to experience a new sensation.

From The Soul of the Far East by Lowell, Percival