plywood

American  

[plahy-wood] / ˈplaɪˌwʊd /

noun

1. a material used for various building purposes, consisting usually of an odd number of layers of wood veneer glued over each other, such that the wood grain of each layer is perpendicular to the layers surrounding it.

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plywood British  

/ ˈplaɪˌwʊd /

noun

1. a structural board consisting of an odd number of thin layers of wood glued together under pressure, with the grain of one layer at right angles to the grain of the adjoining layer

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Etymology

Origin of plywood

First recorded in 1905–10; ply ² + wood ¹

Example Sentences

Locals now rely on a makeshift raft made from plastic barrels and plywood to cross the river.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

Their doors opened and out came customers and contractors, who went into the store and returned with plywood and sheet metal and seasonal plants.

From Slate • Jan. 27, 2026

The Stata Center tilts, twists and fractures, its brick towers — referencing traditional Cambridge architecture — leaning into planes of glass, mirrored steel, aluminum, titanium, corrugated metal and plywood.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

He sealed his daring reputation years before that when he redesigned his own home in Santa Monica, California, using materials like chain-link fencing, plywood and corrugated steel.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2025

Adria and I found Becca and Marissa sorting through the pile and stacking the largest sheets of plywood on the damp grass.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles