Christmas tree

American  

noun

1. an evergreen tree decorated at Christmas with ornaments and lights.

2. a control board or panel containing a variety of colored lights for indicating the status of various functions, elements, components, etc.

3. an elaborate arrangement of pipes, valves, etc., as for controlling the flow of oil or gas.

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Christmas tree British  

noun

1. an evergreen tree or an imitation of one, decorated as part of Christmas celebrations

2. Also called: Christmas bush.  any of various trees or shrubs flowering at Christmas and used for decoration

3. another name for pohutukawa

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Etymology

Origin of Christmas tree

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

In 1983, Gene Kelly’s Beverly Hills home was destroyed after a Christmas tree ignited in the middle of the night.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

“I don’t want to be mean, but … the Christmas tree is up,” Sugarman continued, looking at the snap.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026

In recent weeks, the 63-year-old leftist has been dancing on stage at rallies, calmly strolling trade expos and attending Christmas tree lightings hand-in-hand with his wife.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 30, 2025

Chester Thigpen, who owned a Christmas tree farm, was the face of this movement.

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2025

Julia and Mrs. Crowe had become friends, and now Julia helped Mrs. Crowe decorate a Christmas tree in the Crowes’ apartment, meant for Pearl as a Christmas-morning surprise.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson