old-growth

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˈgrōth 

: of, relating to, or being a forest characterized by the presence of large old trees, numerous snags and woody debris, and a multilayered canopy and that is usually in a late stage of ecological succession

old growth noun

Examples of old-growth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Reclaimed 19th-century pine boards, sourced in Pennsylvania by LV Wood, conjured the old-growth feel of the original floor. — Laura Regensdorf, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026

That lawsuit names coho salmon, spotted owls, as well as a threatened seabird, the marbled murrelet, which lives largely out at sea but returns to old-growth coastal trees to nest, as species threatened by the change. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026

An example of this is the wood from clear-cutting an old-growth forest versus biological diversity and its function as a carbon sink, among other attributes. — Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 29 July 2026

Public opposition to old-growth logging also played a role, causing California lawmakers to toughen rules on clearcuts and logging on steep hillsides and stream banks. — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for old-growth

• ingrowth
• outgrowth
• both
• doeth
• growth
• loath
• oath
• quoth
• sloth
• troth
• undergrowth

Kids Definition

old-growth

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˈgrōth

: of, relating to, or being a forest characterized by the presence of large old trees, dead standing trees, and fallen rotting trees and that is usually in a late stage of development