an evergreen tree with long needle-shaped leaves and woody cones, often growing in cool or mountainous regions
A tall pine stood alone on the snowy hillside.
Red squirrels darted up the rough bark of the oldest pine in the park.
✦ From Old English pīn, from Latin pīnus meaning “pine tree”.
the pale, soft wood that comes from a pine tree, often used for furniture and building
The table was made of polished pine and smelled pleasantly of resin.
Carpenters prefer pine because it is easy to cut and shape.
✦ Same root as the tree sense; the wood takes its name from the tree.
to feel deep, continuous sadness or longing for someone or something that is absent
He continued to pine for his hometown even after living abroad for years.
The dog lay by the door, pining for its owner’s return.
✦ From Old English pīnian “to punish, torment”, later “to suffer longing”, related to Latin poena “pain, penalty”.
the feeling or state of pleasure, contentment, or joy
Spending time with her family brings her great happiness.
The puppy's excited tail wagging was a picture of pure happiness.
✦ Formed from the adjective "happy" + the noun-forming suffix "-ness" in Middle English.
good luck or fortunate circumstances (archaic)
The sailors drank ale and wished happiness upon their voyage.
The villagers prayed for the king’s happiness before the battle began.
✦ In early modern English, "happiness" often meant good fortune or prosperity, a sense now mostly obsolete.
