conifer
noun
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Any of an order of trees and shrubs, conifers usually have usually needle-shaped or scale-like leaves. Conifers include forms (such as pines) with true cones and others (such as yews) that bear a fruit. There are more than 550 species of conifers, and most are evergreen trees and shrubs. They grow throughout the world (except in Antarctica) and prefer temperate climate zones. They include the world's smallest and tallest trees. Conifers supply softwood timber used for general construction, boxes and crates, and other articles, as well as pulpwood for paper. The wood is also used as fuel and in the manufacture of cellulose products, plywood, and veneers. The trees are the source of resins, oils, turpentine, tars, and pharmaceuticals.
Examples of conifer in a Sentence
Caitlin McGlade, AZCentral.com, 17 July 2025
In Michigan, the ideal habitat mix is 20% to 30% bottomland hardwoods, 10% to 30% mature oaks, 5% to 10% conifers, 10% to 15% shrubs, 20% to 30% croplands and 15% to 25% grasslands, clover pastures or idled fields.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 10 July 2025
This is true as well for many conifer species that remain evergreen during the winter.
—Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2025
Also, several conifers had bark covered in furry moss.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for conifer
Cite this Entry
“Conifer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conifer. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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