sapwood
noun
sap·wood
ˈsap-ˌwu̇d 
: the younger softer living or physiologically active outer portion of wood that lies between the cambium and the heartwood and is more permeable, less durable, and usually lighter in color than the heartwood
Examples of sapwood in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In late summer, the larva tunnels outward through the sapwood and stops near the bark.
—
Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2025
After laying the egg, the adult crawls up the branch and chews a groove around the branch, cutting through the bark and much of the sapwood.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2025
The trick is to find a live tree with lots of termite activity, such that the trunk has been hollowed out leaving just the living sapwood shell.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 29 Dec. 2023
Fungus can reduce wood strength and may kill storage and conductive tissues in the sapwood.
—oregonlive, 26 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for sapwood
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2025
After laying the egg, the adult crawls up the branch and chews a groove around the branch, cutting through the bark and much of the sapwood.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2025
The trick is to find a live tree with lots of termite activity, such that the trunk has been hollowed out leaving just the living sapwood shell.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 29 Dec. 2023
Fungus can reduce wood strength and may kill storage and conductive tissues in the sapwood.
—oregonlive, 26 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for sapwood
Cite this Entry
“Sapwood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapwood. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share