Pine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pine

[paɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

tree species

A pine is a tall coniferous tree with needle-shaped leaves. Pines are known for their distinctive cone-shaped fruit and are widely used in construction for their strong and durable wood.

Synonyms

cedar, fir, spruce.

Examples of usage

  • The pine tree in our backyard provides shade during the hot summer months.
  • The pine cones scattered on the forest floor indicated the presence of pine trees nearby.
Context #2 | Noun

fruit

A pine is also a woody, cone-shaped fruit of a pine tree, containing pine nuts that are edible and commonly used in cooking and baking.

Synonyms

conifer cone, pine cone.

Examples of usage

  • She sprinkled pine nuts on top of the salad for added crunch.
  • The recipe called for crushed pine nuts to be mixed with the pasta.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To pine means to yearn deeply and longingly for something or someone. It often conveys a sense of sadness or nostalgia.

Synonyms

crave, long, yearn.

Examples of usage

  • She pined for her homeland, reminiscing about the sights and smells of her childhood.
  • He pined for the love he had lost, unable to move on.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'pine'

The word 'pine' originated from the Old English word 'pīn', which is related to the Latin word 'pinus'. Pines have been revered for centuries for their beauty, strength, and versatility. They symbolize longevity, resilience, and growth in many cultures around the world.


See also: pined, pining.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,923, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.