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

The old-growth forests of the mountain range, which span 1,500 kilometres (900 miles) across eight Central European nations, are also important for mitigating climate change. —Marianne Lehnis, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

The 6-mile Heliotrope Ridge Trail winds through old-growth forest, opening out for views of Coleman Glacier and Mount Baker. —Melanie Haiken, Outside Online, 23 July 2025

The fact that old-growth trees store more carbon underscores why cutting them down is a serious mistake, Wuebbles said. —Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025

There are two restaurants onsite as well as an outdoor pool bar (ideal for enjoying an aperitivo beneath old-growth olive trees). —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 July 2025

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