forestry

noun

for·​est·​ry ˈfȯr-ə-strē 

ˈfär-

1

: forestland

2

a

: the science of developing, caring for, or cultivating forests

b

: the management of growing timber

Did you know?

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

The team found a way to turn biomass—like forestry and agricultural waste—into high-quality graphite, the same material currently imported from China for batteries, steel, and advanced manufacturing. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026

For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state forestry or environmental protection website. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2026

Meanwhile, current forestry practices often compound fire risk, while restoration reduces it. —Evan Mills, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026

Derived from sustainable agricultural and forestry sidestreams such as sawdust and straw, the resins address a significant part of the sustainability challenge. —Etiido Uko march 08, New Atlas, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for forestry

• agroforestry

Kids Definition

forestry

noun

for·​est·​ry ˈfȯr-ə-strē 

ˈfär-

: the science and practice of caring for forests