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

See Examples For:

shade tree

"We never planted avocado as our main crop. We introduced it as a shade tree for coffee plantations, and only later realised it could become a profitable business," he says.

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026

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

One late afternoon, Bradley, Chiaji and other riders gather under a shade tree at the ranch owned by two fellow members, Zena and Frederick Perres.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 4, 2022

Properly placed, a deciduous shade tree earns its place in the landscape by helping to lower utility bills in addition to adding beauty.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 8, 2022

We climbed down the tower to join our friends, where we exchanged tearful goodbyes with Claire and Fiona under the big shade tree.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs