mesquite

noun

mes·​quite mə-ˈskēt How to pronounce mesquite (audio)
me-
: any of several spiny leguminous trees or shrubs (genus Prosopis and especially P. glandulosa) chiefly of the southwestern U.S. that often form extensive thickets and have sweet pods eaten by livestock
also : the wood of the mesquite used especially in grilling food

Illustration of mesquite

Illustration of mesquite
  • 1 flower and leaves
  • 2 pod

Examples of mesquite 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.
The meats — some butchered on-site by Soto — sear over mesquite charcoal, with smoke wafting through the large patio and over the restaurant’s bright pink walls. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 After a century of heavy grazing by cattle, the country was taken over by mesquite. — Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026 At Corrientes 348 Argentinian Steakhouse in Dallas, steaks are prepared with just salt and mesquite charcoal, said assistant manager Emmanuel Tobon. — ABC News, 27 June 2026 Chris Williams, founder, owner, and chef of Roy’s Grille in Irmo, South Carolina is especially fond of bacon that’s smoked with apple and cherry, but hickory, maple, mesquite, and pecan are also popular options. — Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mesquite

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from Nahuatl mizquitl

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mesquite was in 1759

Rhymes for mesquite

See All Rhymes for mesquite

Browse Nearby Words

mesquital
mesquite
Mesquite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mesquite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mesquite. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mesquite

noun
mes·​quite mə-ˈskēt How to pronounce mesquite (audio)
me-
: a thorny deep-rooted tree or shrub of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico that belongs to the legume family, produces pods rich in sugar, and is important as food for livestock
also : the wood of the mesquite used especially in grilling food

Geographical Definition

Mesquite

geographical name

Mes·​quite mə-ˈskēt How to pronounce Mesquite (audio)
me-
city in northeastern Texas east of Dallas population 139,824

More from Merriam-Webster on mesquite

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mesquite

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