shade tree

noun

1. a tree planted or valued for its shade.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shade tree¹

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

Example Sentences

Around him, several-hundred families were set up under canopies across a clearing and up a rocky incline under shade trees, all with a view of the shimmering 216-acre lake surrounded by green hills.

From Eater

In larger gardens, it can be used as a specimen or as an understory tree beneath hardwoods, providing a valuable layer between low growing plants and the shade trees.

From Washington Post

He was standing under a shade tree—“for survival,” he explained.

From The Daily Beast

The Republicans may have mistaken their adversary for just another Democrat sleeping under a shade tree and looking like a mark.

From The Daily Beast

But, to return to our tree, I would like to see its merits as an ornamental and shade tree duly recognized.

From Project Gutenberg

It is, therefore, quite extensively planted as a shade tree.

From Project Gutenberg

When you cut a melon, your friends will come with eager mouths and sit under your shade tree and help you eat it.

From Project Gutenberg

We went to Stratford: walked in the Garden, sat about two hours under a butifull shade tree, and eat as many figs as we could.

From Project Gutenberg

Walnut has been observed coming up in a woodlot, and the only possible source is a shade tree half a mile away.

From Project Gutenberg