cactus

noun

cac·​tus ˈkak-təs How to pronounce cactus (audio)
plural cacti ˈkak-ˌtī How to pronounce cactus (audio)
-(ˌ)tē
or cactuses also cactus
: any of a family (Cactaceae, the cactus family) of plants that have succulent stems and branches with scales or spines instead of leaves and are found especially in dry areas (such as deserts)

Examples of cactus 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.
The Christmas cactus is said to bloom in celebration of Christ’s birth. Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026 Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L Leather Alternative Made with faux leather that’s derived from cactus fiber, this belt bag is luxury on the go. Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026 The area is rugged in places, with rocky slopes, narrow canyons and desert vegetation like creosote, palo verde, mesquite, cholla cactus and bunch grasses. Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 6 Feb. 2026 Trapped in a prickly relationship with a cactus, his life changes overnight when Swift sprays herself with Opalite and is magically transported into his living room. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cactus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, cardoon, from Greek kaktos

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cactus was in 1738

Cite this Entry

“Cactus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cactus. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

cactus

noun
cac·​tus ˈkak-təs How to pronounce cactus (audio)
plural cacti -ˌtī How to pronounce cactus (audio)
-(ˌ)tē
or cactuses also cactus
: any of a large family of flowering plants able to live in dry regions and having fleshy stems and branches that bear scales or prickles instead of leaves

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