dogwood

noun

dog·​wood ˈdȯg-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce dogwood (audio)
: any of various trees and shrubs (genus Cornus of the family Cornaceae, the dogwood family) with clusters of small flowers and often large white, pink, or red involucral bracts

Example Sentences

The furniture is made of dogwood.
Recent Examples on the Web The large white flowers of the dogwood tree will begin to bloom in April at Palomar Mountain State Park, along with baby blue eyes, tiger lilies, lupine and monkey flowers. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2023 For example, serviceberries provide spring-ripening fruit, red-twig dogwood has fruit in summer, while hawthorns and crab apples provide fruit in fall and winter. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2023 Also filling vases were branches from blossoming dogwood, cherry and apple trees. oregonlive, 15 Apr. 2022 Shrubs such as red stemmed dogwood (Cornus sericea) and forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia) constantly send up new shoots from the base of the plant. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 22 Oct. 2022 This edging uses a technique that involves weaving saplings of pliable wood, such as willow or dogwood, into a low fence. Kelly Roberson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2022 Emboldened by Oslo’s dedication to protecting its pollinators, Merrill and Washer teamed up on a mission to plant native dogwood trees in the neighboring towns of North Salem, New York, and Ridgefield, Connecticut. Lauren Matison, Outside Online, 12 Oct. 2022 Later, in the governor’s mansion bedecked with roses, lilies and dogwood blossoms for the occasion, a gala homestyle dinner was served. Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 4 Oct. 2022 Red twig dogwood is especially stunning when set against a backdrop of snow. Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 24 Aug. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dogwood.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dogwood was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near dogwood

Cite this Entry

“Dogwood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dogwood. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

dogwood

noun
dog·​wood ˈdȯg-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce dogwood (audio)
: any of various trees and shrubs having clusters of small flowers often surrounded by four showy leaves that look like petals

Medical Definition

dogwood

noun
dog·​wood ˈdȯ-ˌgwu̇d How to pronounce dogwood (audio)
: any tree or shrub of the genus Cornus

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