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

The results paid off on the hardwood last season as the Red Hawks won the division championship. —Krystle Rich, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026

Tonight, Nebraska and Iowa take their football rivalry to the hardwood. —The Sports Desk, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2026

Adjective

With March Madness underway, Canales used a hardwood analogy to discuss the unit’s options with scheme flexibility. —Mike Kaye march 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026

From there, the space opens into dining and living areas defined by hardwood floors and cathedral ceilings that bring in light and a sense of scale. —Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 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