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

Regularly vacuuming and sweeping are foundational in hardwood care. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025

The time off from the hardwood to focus on football appeared to pay off Friday night. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2025

Adjective

Is vinegar safe for hardwood floors? —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025

Inside, the opulent estate boasted a 3,000-square-foot ballroom with hardwood floors and an arched ceiling, a library, a billiard room and twin columned sunporches, along with 14-foot ceilings throughout the first two levels. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 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