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

Abutting old-growth ponderosa pines, the 2-acre property has a patio, yards, and landscaping. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 14 Oct. 2026

Once moored, a boardwalk leads through old-growth forest to the fault itself, where ocean water is drawn in, heated up high and released through fissures in the rock. — Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026

Across millions of acres at the base of the Cascades, deep-moss old-growth forests mingle with the bright lime of young trees recovering after timber harvests and fires. — Sophie Gilbert, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026

Trump has also worked to significantly expand logging in national forests, prompting concern among conservationists that the move would enable timber companies to use disruptive practices such as clear-cutting or old-growth logging. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 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