hardwood

1 of 2

noun

hard·​wood ˈhärd-ˌwu̇d 

1

: the wood of an angiospermous tree as distinguished from that of a coniferous tree

2

: a tree that yields hardwood

3

: a basketball court

hardwood

2 of 2

adjective

1

: having or made of hardwood

hardwood floors

2

: consisting of mature woody tissue

hardwood cuttings

Examples of hardwood in a Sentence

Noun

They used expensive hardwoods for the flooring.

oaks, maples, and other hardwoods

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Expansive tracts of upland pine and hardwood forests frame the trails, while the seepage slopes host carnivorous pitcher plants, terrestrial orchids, and other rare species. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026

The new construction also boasted European oak hardwood floors, high ceilings, and stainless steel appliances. —Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 14 Feb. 2026

Adjective

Robbie went to work renovating the property almost immediately, refinishing the hardwood floors, renovating and updating the kitchen, and repainting the entire home. —Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 14 Feb. 2026

The carpet setting lowers the rotating brush, which could scratch and dull hardwood floors over time. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hardwood

• allgood
• basswood
• beechwood
• bellwood
• birchwood
• boxwood
• boyhood
• brushwood
• childhood
• cordwood
• dogwood
• driftwood

Kids Definition

hardwood

1 of 2 noun

hard·​wood ˈhär-ˌdwu̇d 

1

: the wood of a tree (as an oak or maple) producing flowers and having usually broad leaves as compared to the wood of a tree bearing cones and having needlelike leaves compare softwood sense 1

2

: a tree that yields hardwood

hardwood

2 of 2 adjective

1

: having or made of hardwood

2

: consisting of mature woody tissue

a hardwood cutting