yucca

noun

yuc·​ca ˈyə-kə How to pronounce yucca (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Yucca) of sometimes arborescent plants of the asparagus family that occur in warm regions chiefly of western North America and have long sword-shaped often stiff fibrous-margined leaves on a usually woody base and bear a large panicle of white blossoms
2
: cassava

Illustration of yucca

Illustration of yucca

Examples of yucca 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.
And you’ll be treated to a lush habitat of native plants, including prickly phlox, chaparral yucca, black sage, hollyleaf cherry and Coulter’s Matilija poppy. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Most yuccas are slow growers, taking two to three years to reach maturity, says Pieter Croes, co-author of Wild Harmony. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 30 July 2026 Despite its common name, red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) is not a true yucca. — Daniel Scott, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026 Heading east on Old Highway 80, the desert landscape is dotted with dry shrubs and rolling hills covered in cacti and yucca trees. — Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for yucca

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Spanish yuca, of unknown origin

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of yucca was in 1664

Rhymes for yucca

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Browse Nearby Words

Yucatecan
yucca
yucca borer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Yucca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yucca. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

yucca

noun
yuc·​ca ˈyək-ə How to pronounce yucca (audio)
: any of a genus of plants that are related to the agaves, grow in warm dry regions mostly of western North America, have long pointed often stiff leaves, and produce a tall stiff stalk with whitish flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on yucca

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about yucca

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