mahogany

noun

ma·​hog·​a·​ny mə-ˈhä-gə-nē 

plural mahoganies

1

: the wood of any of various chiefly tropical trees (family Meliaceae, the mahogany family):

a(1)

: the durable yellowish-brown to reddish-brown usually moderately hard and heavy wood of a West Indian tree (Swietenia mahagoni) that is widely used for cabinetwork and fine finish work

(2)

: a wood similar to mahogany from a congeneric tropical American tree (especially S. macrophylla)

b(1)

: the rather hard heavy usually odorless wood of any of several African trees (genus Khaya)

(2)

: the rather lightweight cedar-scented wood of any of several African trees (genus Entandrophragma) that varies in color from pinkish to deep reddish brown

2

: any of various woods resembling or substituted for mahogany obtained from trees of the mahogany family

3

: a tree that yields mahogany

4

: a moderate reddish brown

Examples of mahogany in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are countless shades of brown, from light, sandy beige to dark mahogany. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Nov. 2023

Home to the Oregon Supreme Court, Oregon Court of Appeals and State Law Library, the three-story landmark is adorned in terra cotta, marble, mahogany and an abundance of classical detailing. —Jeastman, oregonlive, 18 Aug. 2023

The interiors are covered in detailed mahogany woodwork, and each room is rich in both color and materiality. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 15 Nov. 2023

Tucked between a George II mahogany breakfront secretaire bookcase and a series of manuscript and watercolor maps showing the waterways of Venice, Clausen found a type of antiquated nautical map known as a portolan chart. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2023

Their three-hour-long lunch journey includes a multi-course meal, welcome glass of sparkling wine, and beautiful views from the train's two-story Vista Dome, an elevated observation-style dining car with comfy booths and mahogany paneling. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 26 July 2023

Black heather, mahogany heather Frequently Asked Questions Why is Vuori so popular? While Vuori might be known for their Insta-famous joggers, the reasons for the brand’s popularity goes beyond just one pair of pants. —Olivia Muenter, Peoplemag, 30 Oct. 2023

But we were soon warmly greeted by an attendant, who slid open a mahogany door to reveal a garage, complete with Bawa’s 1934 Rolls-Royce. —Sarah Souli, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2023

Sitting at a long mahogany table, the governor would recount certain moments from the last two days, moments of joy and of pain. —Photographs Todd Heisler, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mahogany

• African mahogany
• mountain mahogany
• Philippine mahogany

• African mahogany
• mountain mahogany
• Philippine mahogany

Kids Definition

mahogany

noun

ma·​hog·​a·​ny mə-ˈhäg-ə-nē 

plural mahoganies

1

: the wood of any of various chiefly tropical trees: as

a

: the strong usually reddish brown and heavy wood of a West Indian tree that is widely used to make furniture

b

: any of several African woods that vary in color from pinkish to deep reddish brown

2

: any of various woods resembling or substituted for true mahogany

3

: a tree from which mahogany is obtained

4

: a moderate reddish brown