cork oak

noun

: an oak (Quercus suber) of southern Europe and northern Africa that is the source of the cork of commerce

Examples of cork oak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This vast, open region of southern Portugal is characterized by its raw, unhurried beauty—inland, the scenery transitions into sprawling pine forests and ancient cork oak woodlands, while salt fields near the coastline glisten under the sun and the scent of the sea lingers in the breeze. Monica Mendal, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025 The bulk of the world's supply comes from cork oak trees in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Willa Rubin, NPR, 17 Apr. 2025 The cork oak where Phillip wanted his ashes spread had burned down in the last fire. Eli Saslow, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025 Cork is obtained by stripping the bark of cork oak trees every nine years in a careful process that allows the tree to regenerate and grow, making the industry naturally sustainable. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Europe, 4 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for cork oak

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cork oak was in 1873

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Cite this Entry

“Cork oak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cork%20oak. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

cork oak

noun
: an oak of southern Europe and northern Africa that is the source of the cork used especially for stoppers and insulation

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