woody

1 of 2

adjective

ˈwu̇-dē 

woodier; woodiest

1

: abounding or overgrown with woods

2

a

: of or containing wood or wood fibers : ligneous

woody tissues

b

: having woody parts : rich in xylem and associated structures

woody plants

3

: characteristic of or suggestive of wood

wine with a woody flavor

woodiness noun

woody

2 of 2

noun

ˈwu̇-dē 

variants or woodie

plural woodies

: a wood-paneled station wagon

Examples of woody in a Sentence

Adjective

a woody piece of land

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The aroma dangling in the air is woody and sweet, like the treatment room at a five-star spa. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025

Basil roots easily in water, while woodier herbs, such as rosemary and lavender, do better when propagated in soil. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 9 May 2025

Noun

Even a mature tree, with its woody trunk and branches, is about 50% water. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025

Here is what the judges had to say about it: Deep ruby in hue, the enticing aroma evokes rich, woody notes with a hint of sweetness reminiscent of port. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alteration of wood entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for woody

• goody
• hoodie

Kids Definition

woody

adjective

ˈwu̇d-ē

woodier; woodiest

1

: having or covered with trees

a woody piece of land

2

: of or containing wood or wood fibers

woody plant tissue

3

: characteristic of or similar to wood

a woody texture