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

As old-growth logging has continued elsewhere on the island, activists are again returning to the forests. — Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 16 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

Road-trip to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, where hilly old-growth forest and more than 90 lakes create memorable autumn scenes. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 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