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

In the South, pine straw is about as common as wood mulches like shredded hardwood mulch, wood chips, and pine bark nuggets. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025

Rooms within the original section of the three-level property feature 10-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, and intricate woodwork. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2025

Adjective

To one side, a dual-sided fireplace separates the formal living room and the study, while decorative wallpaper and hardwood flooring pop in the formal dining room across the hall. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2025

Looking for a vacuum that can clean and care for your hardwood floors along the way? —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 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