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

You'll be forgiven for not realizing that oleander, specifically Nerium oleander, is toxic, because the woody little shrub is a common sight in suburban landscapes due to its abundant, fragrant white, pink, red, or purple flowers. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026

While the rest of the world was worried about buying solar eclipse glasses, timing telescopes to perfectly capture spectacular views of our sun and preparing for something profound, these researchers decided to spend time in the damp, woody and quiet air. —Julian Dossett, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026

Noun

The only maintenance necessary is pruning woody stems to encourage the plant to produce new growth. —Jamie McIntosh, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026

Avoid cutting the woody stems of the plant. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2026

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