1. large nearly semi-evergreen oak of southeastern United States; thrives in damp soil • Syn: pin oak, Quercus laurifolia • Hypernyms: oak, oak tree 2. small deciduous tree of eastern and central United States having leaves that shine like laurel; wood is used in western states for shingles • Syn: shingle oak, Quercus imbricaria • Hypernyms: oak, oak tree