forestry

noun

for·​est·​ry ˈfȯr-ə-strē How to pronounce forestry (audio)
ˈfär-
1
2
a
: the science of developing, caring for, or cultivating forests
b
: the management of growing timber

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This is the management of forested land, along with associated waters and wasteland, primarily for harvesting timber, but also for conservation and recreation purposes. The harvesting and replanting of timber are the primary activities of forestry, and the main objective is to maintain a continuous supply of timber through carefully planned harvest and replacement. The forest manager is also responsible for the application of other land controls, including the protection of wildlife and the protection of forests from weeds, insects, fungal diseases, erosion, and fire. The planned management of forests originated in early medieval Europe, where laws regulated the felling of timber and the use of forests for hunting. In 1891 the US government authorized its first reserves of forested land.

Examples of forestry in a Sentence

She studied forestry in college.
Recent Examples on the Web
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LanzaTech uses a myriad of feedstocks in its bioreactors, from raw municipal solid waste to agricultural and forestry residues to waste gases from steel, ferroalloy, and chemical refineries. Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 As commissioner, Holt will be responsible for supporting the state’s agriculture and forestry sectors, overseeing food safety standards and regulations, stewarding natural resources and promoting agriculture education. Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 2025 With the paperwork approved, Heather Cady, director of forestry and fire prevention programs for the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County and the countywide Fire Safe Council, told the La Jolla Light that updated records indicate the San Diego area has 47 active councils. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025 In forestry, the sensors can detect bark beetle infestations and provide precision crop mapping in agriculture. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forestry

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forestry was in 1823

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Cite this Entry

“Forestry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forestry. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

forestry

noun
for·​est·​ry ˈfȯr-ə-strē How to pronounce forestry (audio)
ˈfär-
: the science and practice of caring for forests

More from Merriam-Webster on forestry

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