Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

ribbonwood

noun

Definition of ribbonwood 

1 : a New Zealand shrub or small tree (Hoheria populnea) of the family Malvaceae having bark that is used for cordage and a profusion of small snow-white flowers in close axillary clusters

— called also houhere

2 : ribbon tree

3 West : a small tree or shrub (Adenostoma sparsifolium) related to the chamise

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Learn More about ribbonwood

Share ribbonwood

Resources for ribbonwood

Cite Time Traveler Time Traveler! Explore the year a word first appeared

Dictionary Entries near ribbonwood

ribbon tree

ribbon vibrator

ribbon windows

ribbonwood

ribbon worm

ribbony

ribby

Statistics for ribbonwood

Look-up Popularity

Comments on ribbonwood

What made you want to look up ribbonwood? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

brouhaha

a state of commotion or excitement

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games