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

Blonde hardwoods lined the floors throughout, while floor-to-ceiling glass filled the rooms with natural light and boasted impressive city views. —Mekita Rivas, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025

From stone countertops to warm hardwoods and linen fabrics, natural materials take center stage. —Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025

Adjective

Even the attachments are more impressive, like the Fluffy optic cleaner head, which now has a brighter green light to illuminate invisible dust on hardwood floors. —PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2025

Freo Mind will adjust the humidity level and suction power to each material, which makes sense because clearly marble is not the same as hardwood floors. —Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 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