cottonwood

American  

[kot-n-wood] / ˈkɒt nˌwʊd /

noun

1. any of several American poplars, as Populus deltoides, having toothed, triangular leaves and cottonlike tufts on the seeds.

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cottonwood British  

/ ˈkɒtənˌwʊd /

noun

1. any of several North American poplars, esp Populus deltoides, whose seeds are covered with cottony hairs

2. Also called: tauhinu.  a native New Zealand shrub, Cassinia leptophylla , with daisy-like flowers

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Etymology

Origin of cottonwood

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; cotton + wood ¹

Example Sentences

By late afternoon, the final miles carry me east toward the Colorado River, where it meanders past willow and cottonwood.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

He approached, climbed the cottonwood tree and snatched a single pale-blue egg.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

And for me, this cottonwood brings a kind of serenity and continuous awe.

From Seattle Times • May 24, 2024

Here grow maple, oak, hickory, cottonwood, sycamore, river birch, hackberry, fronds bowed under climbing English ivy, with winter creeper spreading underfoot.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2023

The look Pacheco cast his way practically nailed Herbie to the cottonwood trees behind him.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols