What does cedar mean?
A cedar is a large evergreen coniferous tree of the genus Cedrus, prized since antiquity for its tall stature, spreading branches, and exceptionally durable, aromatic timber. Native to the mountains of the Mediterranean region, western Asia, and the Himalayas, true cedars include the famous cedar of Lebanon, the Atlas cedar, and the deodar cedar. The word is also applied more loosely to other fragrant, rot-resistant conifers such as Western red cedar and Eastern red cedar, which belong to different genera but share the valued qualities of the genuine article. Cedar wood has long been used to build temples, ships, furniture, chests, shingles, and closet linings, its natural oils repelling insects and decay. Richly evocative of permanence, fragrance, and fine craftsmanship, the word appears frequently in literature, architecture, and everyday descriptions of both trees and timber.
A large evergreen coniferous tree of the genus Cedrus, or the fragrant durable wood obtained from it; by extension, certain related resinous trees with similar timber.
"Solomon's temple was famously paneled with cedar from the forests of Lebanon."
In commercial and everyday contexts, "cedar" frequently refers to species outside the true genus Cedrus, such as Western red cedar and Eastern red cedar; botanically these are distinct but share the aromatic, rot-resistant qualities associated with the name.
Made of, consisting of, or relating to cedar wood.
"She stored her winter sweaters in a cedar box to protect them from moths."
Regular plural. Used when referring to multiple individual trees; the mass noun "cedar" is preferred when speaking of the wood itself as material.
"The hillside was covered in towering cedars."
The Cedars of Lebanon were so prized that King Solomon imported them to build Jerusalem's First Temple — some of those trees are said to still be standing today.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cedar
The English word "cedar" derives from Old French "cedre," which came from Latin "cedrus." Latin borrowed the term from Greek "kedros," referring to the same coniferous tree. The Greek itself was likely borrowed from an earlier Semitic or Anatolian source, reflecting the ancient trade routes through which Lebanese cedar timber moved across the Mediterranean world. The word entered Middle English around the early medieval period via Old French and Latin influence, and cognates appear across European languages including German "Zeder" and Spanish "cedro."
How cedar is actually used
"Cedar" in everyday use often refers broadly to fragrant conifers beyond the true genus Cedrus — notably Eastern red cedar (a juniper) and Western red cedar (an arborvitae). The word carries warm connotations of durability, fragrance, and craftsmanship, appearing often in contexts of furniture, chests, closets, and traditional building materials. It is standard register with no regional restrictions.
Easily confused with cedar
"Cedar" is the correct spelling of the coniferous tree; "ceder" is a common misspelling.