Tree Definition Tree Definition 1

Tree (noun) — a large plant growing on earth. Look outside. See that tall thing with the brown stick going up and green bits at the top? That’s the tree.

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/triː/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Tree”?

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Tips for “tree” pronunciation: 

Rhymes with “free.” Just one syllable. Say the first part tr without putting your tongue between teeth. Easy, right?

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How to Use “Tree” in a Sentence?

Parks, gardens, nature, weather — trees come up all the time. You need to learn how to say “tree” in real conversations on WhatsApp.

We have a really big tree growing in our back garden.
I love watching birds sit up in the tree and sing their songs.
The kids spent all afternoon playing under that old tree.
My grandfather planted this tree over 100 years ago!
When autumn comes, all the leaves fall off the trees.

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Tree”?

More words = less repetition. Nobody wants to hear “tree tree tree” five times in one paragraph. Here are the core “tree” synonyms.

Related nouns: plant wood forest

Synonyms (contextual): none, it is a specific noun

Common collocations: climb a tree plant a tree tall tree

“Tree” Word Formation and Description in Context

English loves sticking words together. Here’s how “tree” gets used with other words — the combinations you’ll actually hear people say.

With adjectives: big tree young tree green tree

With verbs: climb a tree water a tree tree grows

With nouns (noun + noun): tree house fruit tree Christmas tree

Idioms and Interesting Phrases with “Tree”

Native English speakers use lots of creative phrases with the word “tree.” Once you learn these expressions, conversations will make much more sense to you!

  • Barking up the wrong tree — indicating that someone made a mistake or is looking in the wrong location.

    Stop barking up the wrong tree, brother, I didn’t touch your PlayStation!
  • Money doesn’t grow on trees — meaning that money has to be earned.

    You know, money doesn’t grow on trees and I have to work for 10 hours a day.
Tree Idioma Tree Idioma 1
  • Can’t see the forest for the trees — getting lost in the small details of the situation.

    He worries so much about small stuff that he can’t see the forest for the trees.

Test Your Knowledge of “Tree” Meaning

Quizzes are fantastic for making new words stick in your memory. Give these a try and see how much you’ve learned!

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the correct answer:
1
A tree is a type of animal.
2
Trees produce oxygen that we breathe.
3
A “tree trunk” is the main part of a tree that grows from the ground.
Type 2: Right word order:
Put these chaotic words in order:
1
garden
a
tree
There
in
is
the
big
2
tree
children
climbing
The
are
the
3
trees
autumn,
from
fall
leaves
the
In
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the one closest in meaning:
1
What does “plant a tree” mean?
2
What is a “tree house”?
3
What does “money doesn't grow on trees” mean?

Enjoy personalized learning!

“Tree” Word in Other Languages

Different languages, different words. Some look similar though — especially the European ones.

Language Word for “Tree”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Árbol
Flag French French   Arbre
Flag German German   Baum

Did You Know It? Fun Facts About “Tree”

Trees can be weird and interesting, in a good way, definitely. Check these out.

  • There is one tree that is estimated to have existed for almost 5,000 years.

    In the White Mountains, there is a bristlecone pine tree called “Methuselah.” This tree, estimated at 4,857 years old, was alive when the Egyptians erected their pyramids.
  • What looks like a forest is actually one living thing in Utah.

    There is a grove of 47,000 trees of the aspen variety, called “Pando,” that all share one massive root system, making it one of the largest living organisms on Earth.
  • The world’s tallest tree would tower over a 35-story skyscraper!

    Out in California’s Redwood National Park stands a coast redwood called “Hyperion.” It reaches an astonishing 380.8 feet (116 meters) into the sky — well over double the height of the Statue of Liberty.
  • Trees can communicate with each other.

    Through underground fungal networks often called the “wood wide web,” trees can share nutrients and send warning signals about pests or environmental stress to neighboring trees.

Famous Quotes Featuring “Tree”

Writers and thinkers love using trees as metaphors. Here are three good ones.

“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.”

— Chinese Proverb

Explanation: It is never too late to start something good. If you didn’t get the opportunity last time, it’s perfectly okay to do it today.

“Storms make trees take deeper roots.”

— Dolly Parton

Explanation: Hard times make us stronger. Struggles help us grow.

“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

— Warren Buffett

Explanation: The truth about wisdom is that it lies not in doing good for the people around us, but in doing good for people who will come after us, even if we will not live to see that.