redwood

noun

red·​wood ˈred-ˌwu̇d 

1

: any of various woods (such as brazilwood) yielding a red dye

2

: a tree that yields a red dyewood or produces red or reddish wood

3

a

: a very tall coniferous tree (Sequoia sempervirens) of the cypress family that grows chiefly in coastal California, sometimes reaches a height of 360 feet (110 meters), and is a commercially important timber tree

called also coast redwood

see cone illustration compare dawn redwood

b

: its brownish-red durable wood

Examples of redwood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The new cards also have updated designs with images of California’s iconic redwood trees and California poppies as well as the state’s expansive coastline. —Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025

Outside, the grounds read like a naturalist’s dream—California redwoods towering over the spring garden, woodlands alive with pine martens and sparrowhawks, and jetties waiting for fishing boats. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025

While there, visitors can explore beaches, redwood forests, and nearby Point Lobos State Park. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 23 Sep. 2025

But then, less than two years later, a punishing atmospheric river storm sent a large redwood tree crashing down the steep slopes of the forest, slamming into the main bridge and causing other damage to the new facilities. —Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing redwood

• coast redwood
• dawn redwood

Rhymes for redwood

• allgood
• basswood
• beechwood
• bellwood
• birchwood
• boxwood
• boyhood
• brushwood
• childhood
• cordwood
• dogwood
• driftwood

Kids Definition

redwood

noun

red·​wood ˈred-ˌwu̇d 

: a tall cone-producing evergreen tree mostly of coastal California that is related to the bald cypresses and sometimes grows to be 360 feet (110 meters) tall

also : its light long-lasting brownish red wood