boxwood

noun

box·​wood ˈbäks-ˌwu̇d 

1

: the close-grained heavy hard tough wood of the box (genus Buxus)

also : a wood of similar properties

2

: a tree producing boxwood

Examples of boxwood in a Sentence

We planted a few boxwoods.

Recent Examples on the Web

Skip cosmetic pruning of conifers during the coldest part of winter and delay shaping trims for ornamental yews, junipers, boxwoods, and tree-type conifers like dwarf spruces until after the new flush of growth in spring. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2026

Their 1925 building was designed with a courtyard garden, instead of a lobby entrance (a rarity in New York), that’s planted with boxwoods and Japanese maples. —Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 10 Jan. 2026

Food sources become scarce in the winter, so this makes boxwood more of a draw for deer. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026

Everyone needs to monitor their boxwood plants for this insect. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for boxwood

• allgood
• basswood
• beechwood
• bellwood
• birchwood
• boyhood
• brushwood
• childhood
• cordwood
• dogwood
• driftwood
• falsehood

Kids Definition

boxwood

noun

box·​wood ˈbäk-ˌswu̇d 

: the tough hard wood of the box

also : the box tree