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

Laney-Hamilton, of course, drained the jumper with Kneepkens picking herself up off the hardwood. —Fiifi Frimpong, Mercury News, 9 May 2026

Native tree nurseries produce tens of thousands of seedlings annually, including fruit trees for birds and valuable hardwoods like mahogany. —Anna Lello-Smith, New York Daily News, 9 May 2026

Adjective

Cedar mulch can be double or triple the cost of pine and hardwood mulch. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 May 2026

Compared to her Mediterranean starter home, the Encino property has a much more relaxed and minimalist feel, with hardwood floors throughout, neutral interiors, and lots of open living space. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 May 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