banyan
noun
banĀ·yan
| \ Ėban-yÉn
, -Ėyan\
, -Ėyan\
plural banyans
Definition of banyan
: a large fig tree (Ficus benghalensis) native to India and Pakistan that starts as an epiphyte and has spreading branches which send out aerial roots that grow down to the ground and form secondary trunks around the host tree
The banyan kills the host tree by preventing its trunk from growing. After the host dies, the banyan continues to grow. Eventually, one tree appears to be an entire forest. — National Geographic World
Illustration of banyan
Examples of banyan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Upon arrival at our campsite in HÄna, go hiking through the surrounding bamboo forests and past century-old banyan trees to a stunning waterfall. — National Geographic, "Hawaiāi Middle School Expedition," 10 Sep. 2019 The beach at Kekaha Kai was perfect and the banyan tree at Wailuku River could have been the setting of a Guillermo del Toro movie, but Mahukona State Park was my favorite. — Peter Kujawinski, New York Times, "Rich in Surprises and Secrets, Thereās a State Park Waiting for You," 29 July 2019 Reggio Calabria, destroyed in an earthquake in 1908, then heavily bombed by the Allies in World War II, still retains the atmosphere of a tropical, laid-back port with its twisted banyan and blooming jacaranda trees. — Frances Mayes, National Geographic, "Discover Italyās most delicious secret," 11 July 2019 Upon arrival at our campsite in HÄna, go hiking through the surrounding bamboo forests and past century-old banyan trees to a stunning waterfall. — National Geographic, "Hawai'i Middle School Expedition," 12 June 2019 Foster took care to preserve a majestic 80-year-old, 65-foot-tall banyan tree outside the museum. — Elle Decor Editors, ELLE Decor, "Palm Beach's Norton Museum of Art Gets a Major New Expansion From Foster + Partners," 5 Feb. 2019 Outside, full-growth banyan trees, paver pathways, and lush landscaping compliment a 1930s guest house that also boasts a wood slat ceiling and fireplace. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Waterfront estate asks $2.4M in Florida," 9 Oct. 2018 Explore seaside Front Street, with ocean breezes blowing off the water on one side and colorful shops on the other, and marvel at the largest banyan tree in Hawaii near Lahaina Harbor. — The Seattle Times, "Winter getaway: Stay and play in Kaanapali, Maui," 15 Aug. 2018 Start at the banyan and wander north on Front Street (there's a large public-parking lot at Front and Prison streets). — Brian J. Cantwell, chicagotribune.com, "Rainy day on Maui? Here are 5 great things to do beyond the beach," 24 Apr. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'banyan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for banyan
banyan
noun
English Language Learners Definition of banyan
: an Indian tree with long branches that send roots down to the ground forming secondary trunks
See the full definition for banyan in the English Language Learners Dictionary