mahogany

noun

ma·​hog·​a·​ny mə-ˈhä-gə-nē How to pronounce mahogany (audio)
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 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mahogany.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mahogany was in 1660

Dictionary Entries Near mahogany

Cite this Entry

“Mahogany.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mahogany. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

mahogany

noun
ma·​hog·​a·​ny mə-ˈhäg-ə-nē How to pronounce mahogany (audio)
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

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