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

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

See a patchwork of colors on the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, which starts in an old lava flow before weaving across its namesake river and through old-growth forests. — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2026

Among the highlights are Blanford Nature Center, which offers extensive walking trails through an old-growth forest of blazing red sugar maples. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 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