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

Everyone wants the rich depth of hardwood, or at least the appearance of it (enter the less expensive and more durable luxury vinyl plank). —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025

The game, which will be televised on the ACC Network, marks the second time this year that the two point guards will have met on the hardwood. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025

Adjective

The third-floor walk-up has been renovated, but the old-school charm remains in its hardwood floors, ample windows, and brick façade. —Gabriela Ulloa, Architectural Digest, 25 Oct. 2025

The kicks also feature a herringbone outsole, per the product description, designed to grip hardwood floors. —Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025

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