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

Inside, the home features hardwood floors, a wood-burning fireplace, and an abundance of natural light. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025

The low setting worked well for gently steam-cleaning my hardwood floors, and the mop head pivots to easily maneuver around corners. —Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2025

Adjective

This unit’s front door opens to the living room, which has hardwood floors and sliding-glass doors that open to a balcony. —Angela Serratore, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

Inside is a bright living room, which has hardwood floors and picture windows that face trees. —Angela Serratore, New York Times, 7 Apr. 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