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

At Elkhorn Ranch, the foundation of Roosevelt's cabin lies peacefully under tall cottonwoods. —Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 1 June 2026

McCamish pointed to a nearby stand of cottonwood trees rustling in the wind. —Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026

In the spring, the meadows burst with wildflowers, while oaks, aspens, and cottonwoods transform into vivid shades of yellow, red, and orange come fall. —Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 14 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

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