cottonwood

noun

cot·​ton·​wood ˈkä-tᵊn-ˌwu̇d 

: any of several poplars having seeds with cottony hairs

especially : one (Populus deltoides) of the eastern and central U.S. often cultivated for its rapid growth and luxuriant foliage

Examples of cottonwood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dogs run freely in the green meadows and forests, where the smell of cooking fires lingers in the air and cottonwood seeds blanket dirt roads crisscrossing the site. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026

However, cottonwoods are only the beginning. —Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 26 Mar. 2026

Water levels remained high in 2024, killing thousands of cottonwoods and willows. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026

Where to stay Cottonwood Campground is a legitimate oasis in the desert, as large cottonwood trees provide plenty of shade for the 22 small campsites. —Graham Averill, Outside, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cottonwood

• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood
• likelihood
• livelihood
• maidenhood

Kids Definition

cottonwood

noun

cot·​ton·​wood -ˌwu̇d 

: a poplar with a small bunch of cottony hairs on the seed

especially : one of the eastern and central U.S. that grows rapidly and produces many leaves