palmetto

[ pal-met-oh, pahl-, pah-met-oh ]

noun

, plural pal·met·tos, pal·met·toes.

1. any of various palms having fan-shaped leaves, as of the genera Sabal, Serenoa, and Thrinax.

palmetto

/ pælˈmɛtəʊ /

noun

1. any of several small chiefly tropical fan palms, esp any of the genus Sabal, of the southeastern US See also cabbage palmetto saw palmetto
2. any of various other fan palms such as palms of the genera Serenoa, Thrinax, and Chamaerops

Word History and Origins

Origin of palmetto¹

1555–65; earlier palmito < Spanish, diminutive of palma palm ²; -etto by association with -ette

Word History and Origins

Origin of palmetto¹

C16: from Spanish palmito a little palm ²

Example Sentences

Then he walked through the palmetto bushes, away from spectators, for more work.

From Seattle Times

There’s not strong evidence for herbal remedies such as saw palmetto.

From Seattle Times

Herbal supplements such as saw palmetto are not currently recommended, although some men say they work for them.

From BBC

Enormous palmetto bugs lived under her bed, scurrying into the open after she doused the lights.

From Seattle Times

Instead of the promised homes, they were made to sleep on dirt in small huts fashioned from palmetto and brush.

From Washington Post