shade tree

American  

noun

1. a tree planted or valued for its shade.

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Etymology

Origin of shade tree

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

Example Sentences

With no screens or cell phones to take our attention, we ‘worked’ outside in the back of a pickup under a shade tree with a big fan that kept the gnats away.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2025

If a thoughtfully chosen large shade tree were in that spot, the library’s indoor temperature could be as much as five degrees lower on a hot day.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 1, 2023

On a 101-degree afternoon, the Nelsons and I sit under a shade tree in their front yard and watch the youngest child, Tariq, playfully move from one relative’s lap to another.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2022

The small square is partially surrounded by a low brick wall with a shade tree as its centerpiece.

From Washington Post • Sep. 4, 2021

Since that side was in the shade, I picked up a saw that was leaning against a big shade tree just back from the house.

From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson