1. a spiny shrub or small tree native to southwestern North America and Mexico, bearing long pods with sweet pulp used as food and for making flour
2. the wood of the mesquite tree, used as fuel and for smoking meat

Examples

• Mesquite trees thrive in the arid deserts of Arizona and Texas.
• The rancher used mesquite wood to smoke the brisket for hours.
• Native peoples ground mesquite pods into flour for bread.
• Mesquite charcoal is prized by barbecue enthusiasts for its distinctive flavor.
• The mesquite's deep roots allow it to survive long droughts.
• She bought mesquite flour at the farmers market to bake traditional southwestern bread.