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

Also called shore rose, beach rose (Rosa rugosa) is a deciduous, woody perennial that grows sweet-smelling flowers all summer long. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026

Flower Beds, Perennials, and Ornamentals Herbaceous perennials are likely still pretty sleepy, but fat buds, flowers, and even the start of leaves unfurling are all happening on woodier ornamentals. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2026

Noun

The rooms The 106 rooms were given an autumnal, woody touch with a period-appropriate color palette—dull green, bronze, chocolatey brown, ochre, dusty white and terracotta—that feels at once fresh and nostalgic. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026

Once established, the aggressive spread can disrupt local ecosystems and force out other plants, especially herbaceous and native woody plant species. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 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