rosewood

noun

rose·​wood ˈrōz-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce rosewood (audio)
: any of various tropical trees (especially genus Dalbergia) yielding valuable cabinet woods of a usually dark red or purplish color streaked and variegated with black
also : the wood

Examples of rosewood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In a stunning display of intricate marquetry, the design is assembled piece by piece of wood fabricated to resemble the grain and texture of endangered woods such as ebony, teak, wenge, rosewood and zebrawood. Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 2 Dec. 2025 Its dark wood anchors the space, which boasts the original crystal chandelier and an impressive rosewood buffet. Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Nov. 2025 The rosewood is sturdy, and the intricate hand carvings remind me of the folk arts and woodworking of India. The Atlantic, 19 Nov. 2025 Moving below, the lower deck is home to four guest cabins, two of which are VIP; each accommodation has those same rosewood touches and its own ensuite. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rosewood

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rosewood was in 1660

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Cite this Entry

“Rosewood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rosewood. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

rosewood

noun
rose·​wood ˈrōz-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce rosewood (audio)
1
: any of various tropical trees with hard dark red to purplish wood that is streaked with black and is used especially for making furniture and musical instruments
2
: the wood of a rosewood

More from Merriam-Webster on rosewood

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