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

When checking hardwood, move it around to a hotter spot if needed, or replenish extinguished chunks to keep level of smoking constant. —Paula Disbrowe, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 May 2026

On this night, the hardwood bruises had given way to dirt and pine tar. —Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 15 May 2026

Adjective

Its multidirectional lugs keep you stable and grounded across a variety of surfaces, including city streets, cobblestone, and slippery hardwood floors. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026

Lankston is also quick to point out that prospective buyers could be interested to know if hardwood floors are under the carpet. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 21 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