black walnut

American  

noun

1. a tree, Juglans nigra, of North America, having pinnate leaves and dark-brown bark and bearing an edible nut covered by a thick green or brown husk.

2. the nut of this tree.

3. the wood of this tree, valued in furniture-making.

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black walnut British  

noun

1. a North American walnut tree, Juglans nigra , with hard dark wood and edible oily nuts

2. the valuable wood of this tree, used for cabinet work

3. the nut of this tree

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Etymology

Origin of black walnut

An Americanism dating back to 1605–15

Compare meaning

How does black-walnut compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• English walnut vs. black walnut

Example Sentences

Kurt’s cleanse contained black walnut, cloves and wormwood, along with a handful of other herbs.

From Salon • May 18, 2025

Along the way, we’ll be on the lookout for native trees, like bigleaf maples and black walnut trees, that change colors with the season.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2024

They have a taste for certain species, namely tree of heaven—also an invasive species from Asia—as well as native species, such as black walnut, several species of maple, hops, and grapevines.

From National Geographic • Aug. 31, 2023

Q: I am trying to find out if I can plant a big leaf maple tree where a black walnut tree was removed.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 16, 2022

The spot she had chosen to spread her blanket was under a handsome black walnut that grew at the edge of the woods bordering the acres of cotton.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison