forestry

noun

for·​est·​ry ˈfȯr-ə-strē 

ˈfär-

1

: forestland

2

a

: the science of developing, caring for, or cultivating forests

b

: the management of growing timber

Did you know?

This is the management of forested land, along with associated waters and wasteland, primarily for harvesting timber, but also for conservation and recreation purposes. The harvesting and replanting of timber are the primary activities of forestry, and the main objective is to maintain a continuous supply of timber through carefully planned harvest and replacement. The forest manager is also responsible for the application of other land controls, including the protection of wildlife and the protection of forests from weeds, insects, fungal diseases, erosion, and fire. The planned management of forests originated in early medieval Europe, where laws regulated the felling of timber and the use of forests for hunting. In 1891 the US government authorized its first reserves of forested land.

Examples of forestry in a Sentence

She studied forestry in college.

Recent Examples on the Web

With forestry potential and renewable energy expansion goals, the region stands to benefit both environmentally and economically if proper governance and community inclusion are prioritized. —Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

In many university programs, attending a field school is a required part of earning a degree, especially in geology, forestry, archaeology, and geography. —Sarah Boon june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025

Over $184,000 will be granted to support 11 urban and community forestry projects including Bloomfield, Ellington, Mansfield, New London, North Stonington, Old Saybrook, Ridgefield, Stamford and Stratford, according to officials. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2025

That's slightly higher than industries like restaurants (1.6), retail trade (2.1) and leisure and hospitality (2.3) but well under construction (9.6), transportation and warehousing (12.9) and agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (20.3). —Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 17 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for forestry

• agroforestry

Kids Definition

forestry

noun

for·​est·​ry ˈfȯr-ə-strē 

ˈfär-

: the science and practice of caring for forests