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

Poured terrazzo floors and rich hardwood run throughout, punctuated by polished concrete and expert millwork. —Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 2 May 2026

Bark nuggets, pine straw, and shredded hardwood work well. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026

Adjective

The hardwood frame uses traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery, so this isn’t something that's going to wobble or creak on you. —Emma Tubbs, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2026

The living room has dark hardwood floors, a decorative fireplace, two north-facing windows, and striking floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. —Katie McDonough, Curbed, 27 Apr. 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