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 greatest shooter ever stood on the hardwood where Patel would soon blow his whistle and bark out plays. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

The home features exposed beams throughout along with wide-plank hardwood floors and water views in nearly every room. — Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Nine-foot ceilings enhance the feeling of spaciousness on the first floor while hardwood flooring, used throughout much of the home, and impressive millwork that includes crown molding and chair rails, adds elegance. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026

Frequently Asked Questions Is vinegar safe to use on hardwood floors? — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 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