acacia

noun

aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə How to pronounce acacia (audio)
1
: gum arabic
2
: any of a large genus (Acacia) of leguminous shrubs and trees of warm regions with leaves pinnate or reduced to phyllodes and white or yellow flower clusters

Examples of acacia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Black acacia wood invites a new level of modernity that is further emphasized by the sleek finish of the Joss & Main Haiden sideboard. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2026 Honey from certain plants, such as black locust acacia, for instance, is slower to crystallize than other plants. — Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026 Minor oak aging in acacia barrels to enhance the texture, and sold with an easy-to-open screwcap. — Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 The acacia wood tabletop is weather-resistant with slats that let spills slip right through, and the chairs are made of breathable wicker with thick cushioned seats and wide armrests. — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for acacia

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, going back to Latin, "a species of Acacia, gum arabic," borrowed from Greek akakía "a plant of the Acacia genus (probably A. nilotica), acacia extract," of obscure origin; (sense 1) Middle English acacia, acacie "astringent gum made from the juice of green plums or sloes," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French acasie, acacie "juice of plums or sloes," borrowed from Medieval Latin acacia, going back to Latin, "gum arabic"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acacia was in the 14th century

Rhymes for acacia

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Browse Nearby Words

acacetin
acacia
acacia gum
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acacia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acacia. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

acacia

noun
aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə How to pronounce acacia (audio)
1
: gum arabic
2
: any of numerous shrubs and trees of the legume family that grow in warm areas and have white or yellow flower clusters

Medical Definition

acacia

noun
aca·​cia ə-ˈkā-shə How to pronounce acacia (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of woody leguminous plants of warm regions having pinnate leaves and white or yellow flower clusters
2
: any of the genus Acacia of leguminous plants
3
: gum arabic

More from Merriam-Webster on acacia

Nglish: Translation of acacia for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about acacia

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