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.
Plus, the modular set includes one roomy sofa, one armchair, a large and small ottoman, and an acacia coffee table that can be configured in several layouts to suit your needs. — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026 The acacia wood base and matching wooden utensils add a warm touch to the table. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 In Central America, for example, ants feed on acacia trees, a relationship that, at first glance, appeared purely antagonistic. — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 Common additives and fillers in saffron capsule supplements include rice powder, silica, stearic acid and acacia gum. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about acacia

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