driftwood

noun

drift·​wood ˈdrift-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce driftwood (audio)
1
: wood drifted or floated by water
2

Examples of driftwood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The interiors incorporate nautical references to Santa Cruz’s surf culture and fishing history, most evident in the palette of watery blues and driftwood grays—a nod to the Pacific visible from nearly every room. Jennifer Fernandez, Architectural Digest, 6 Mar. 2026 There are a few other decorations that don’t boast horses or fleur de lis, like glass floats, driftwood, and an old wine rack that now holds lights. Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Mar. 2026 It’s grounded by driftwood and skin musks, which give it a beachy yet sophisticated depth—think of the scent a siren would spray on to lure over an unsuspecting sailor. Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026 Plan to come at sunrise or sunset—when the beach is at its most beautiful—refrain from taking any of the driftwood with you. Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for driftwood

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of driftwood was in 1633

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Cite this Entry

“Driftwood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/driftwood. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

driftwood

noun
drift·​wood ˈdrift-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce driftwood (audio)
: wood drifted or floated by water

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