mahogany

noun

ma·​hog·​a·​ny mə-ˈhä-gə-nē 

plural mahoganies

1

: the wood of any of various chiefly tropical trees (family Meliaceae, the mahogany family):

a(1)

: the durable yellowish-brown to reddish-brown usually moderately hard and heavy wood of a West Indian tree (Swietenia mahagoni) that is widely used for cabinetwork and fine finish work

(2)

: a wood similar to mahogany from a congeneric tropical American tree (especially S. macrophylla)

b(1)

: the rather hard heavy usually odorless wood of any of several African trees (genus Khaya)

(2)

: the rather lightweight cedar-scented wood of any of several African trees (genus Entandrophragma) that varies in color from pinkish to deep reddish brown

2

: any of various woods resembling or substituted for mahogany obtained from trees of the mahogany family

3

: a tree that yields mahogany

4

: a moderate reddish brown

Examples of mahogany in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Designed by superyacht interior designer Giuseppina Arena, the project features 36 residences—including two 8,000-square-foot penthouses—polished mahogany finishes, signature aquamarine accents, and a marina for yachts up to 65 feet. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2025

The visiting clubhouse attendants lit the same White Barn candles — mahogany teakwood intense — that brought the room back to life last month after the Phillies sprayed champagne and beer to celebrate a division title. —Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025

The presiding minister elected not to deliver a funeral sermon; dirt was shoveled on top of the mahogany box only three minutes after the service began. —Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025

The train’s vintage carriages, originally built in France in 1929 and 1930 for the British royal family, have been meticulously restored with art deco detailing, polished mahogany paneling, and velvet and silk upholstery. —AFAR Media, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mahogany

• African mahogany
• mountain mahogany
• Philippine mahogany

Kids Definition

mahogany

noun

ma·​hog·​a·​ny mə-ˈhäg-ə-nē 

plural mahoganies

1

: the wood of any of various chiefly tropical trees: as

a

: the strong usually reddish brown and heavy wood of a West Indian tree that is widely used to make furniture

b

: any of several African woods that vary in color from pinkish to deep reddish brown

2

: any of various woods resembling or substituted for true mahogany

3

: a tree from which mahogany is obtained

4

: a moderate reddish brown