hardwood

American  

[hahrd-wood] / ˈhɑrdˌwʊd /

noun

1. the hard, compact wood or timber of various trees, as the oak, cherry, maple, or mahogany.

2. a tree yielding such wood.

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adjective

1. made or constructed of hardwood.

   a hardwood floor.

hardwood British  

/ ˈhɑːdˌwʊd /

noun

1. the wood of any of numerous broad-leaved dicotyledonous trees, such as oak, beech, ash, etc, as distinguished from the wood of a conifer

2. any tree from which this wood is obtained

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hardwood Scientific  

/ härd′wd′ /

1. A eudicot or magnoliid tree, especially as distinguished from a coniferous, or softwood, tree.

2. The wood of a eudicot or magnoliid tree. Hardwoods are in general harder than softwood. However, some hardwoods, such as basswood, are comparatively soft, while some softwoods, such as yew, are comparatively hard.

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Etymology

Origin of hardwood

First recorded in 1560–70; hard + wood ¹

Example Sentences

Her criteria was specific: A 1920s or 1930s Spanish-style studio with oversize windows, lots of natural light, a fireplace, hardwood floors and character-rich tile work.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

“The main residence has brand-new Wolf appliances, including an induction range, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Custom new white oak hardwood flooring throughout is the canvas for your personal design statement,” the listing notes.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Early in the process, Quezon, a historian and grandson of a former Philippine president, learned to his dismay that the local hardwood and water-resistant species used to build the galleons had long been wiped out.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

In one agonizing moment, Boston’s hopes of repeating as champions crumbled on the hardwood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Mrs. Malvolio made her way down to the hardwood floor and listened to her “academic ambassadors” talk to the press.

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• forest
• sapling
• seedling
• shrub
• timber
• wood