black oak

American  

noun

1. any of several oak trees, as Quercus velutina, characterized by a blackish bark.

2. the hard, durable wood of such a tree, used for making furniture, floors, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of black oak

An Americanism dating back to 1625–35

Example Sentences

In the Golden State, the beetles are attacking the coast live oak, canyon live oak and the California black oak.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 10, 2026

The city of Portland’s Urban Forestry program is currently experimenting with the assisted migration of 11 tree species, including three oak species to the south: California black oak, canyon live oak and interior live oak.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 30, 2023

Each acorn was painted with colored bands to indicate its species: red oak, bur oak, black oak, white oak, swamp white oak, scarlet oak, pin oak, willow oak.

From New York Times • Nov. 25, 2022

The black oak has large, deeply lobed leaves; its companion has lovely tooth-edged leaves, more like those of its relatives the chestnut and beech trees.

From Washington Post • Jan. 5, 2015

There was a chair as well, carved of black oak with a red leather seat.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin