tree of life
Americannoun
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a tree in the Garden of Eden that yielded food giving everlasting life. Genesis 2:9; 3:22.
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a tree in the heavenly Jerusalem with leaves for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:2.
noun
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Old Testament a tree in the Garden of Eden, the fruit of which had the power of conferring eternal life (Genesis 2:9; 3:22)
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New Testament a tree in the heavenly Jerusalem, for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:2)
Etymology
Origin of tree of life
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cooperative breeding is a strategy that’s arisen across the tree of life.
From Slate ● May 10, 2026
By comparing genetic similarities and differences, they built an expanded Asgard archaea tree of life.
From Science Daily ● Feb. 20, 2026
But residents can no longer view the bright autumn colours of the tree of life, a symbol often painted by Behzad, as the wooden door has been padlocked shut.
From Barron's ● Feb. 4, 2026
If comprehensively deciphered, the relationships between the species populating the genealogical tree of life, Mr. Telford argues, offer the possibility of understanding the evolutionary history of every component of natural biology.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 26, 2025
She dropped down in the garden, like a leaf tumbling off the oak tree of life, just before I was supposed to meet you at Listening Rock.
From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
