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

White alders, cottonwoods, and other deciduous trees lining the byway put on a brilliant show for drivers, especially impressive during golden hour each day. —Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026

With the exception of some native cottonwoods lining the creeks flowing eastward out of the foothills, no trees grew here naturally. —Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 1 May 2026

Save Eastern cottonwood trees (Populus deltoides) for large rural spaces. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026

The Lower Sherman Island Wildlife Area is about 3,100 acres of riparian marshland with willows and cottonwoods. —Brandon Downs, CBS News, 29 Mar. 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