redwood

¹ American  

[red-wood] / ˈrɛdˌwʊd /

noun

1. any of the three extant tree species of the coniferous subfamily Sequoioideae, specifically the giant sequoia, coast redwood, and dawn redwood.

2. the valuable brownish-red timber of the coast redwood or giant sequoia, the harvesting of which is strictly regulated.

3. a red or reddish wood.

4. any of various trees yielding a red or reddish wood.

5. any tree whose wood produces a red dyestuff.

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adjective

1. made of red or reddish wood, especially that of the coast redwood or giant sequoia, the harvesting of which is strictly regulated.

   a six-piece set of redwood furniture for the patio.

redwood ² American  

[red-wood] / ˈrɛdˌwʊd /

Or redwud

adjective

Scot.

1. raving mad; insane.

2. distracted with anger; furious.

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redwood British  

/ ˈrɛdˌwʊd /

noun

1. a giant coniferous tree, Sequoia sempervirens , of coastal regions of California, having reddish fibrous bark and durable timber: family Taxodiaceae . The largest specimen is over 120 metres (360 feet) tall See also sequoia

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Etymology

Origin of redwood¹

First recorded in 1610–20; red ¹ + wood ¹

Origin of redwood²

First recorded in 1550–60; red ¹ + wood ²

Explanation

Redwoods are a kind of large, ancient evergreen trees commonly found on the coast of California. Coastal redwoods are the tallest living things on Earth. These magnificent trees are made up of three species, Sequoia and Sequoiadendron in California and Oregon, and China's Metasequoia. Redwoods have adapted over millions of years to be resistant to fire and infection, and they can reach heights of over 300 feet. Their name comes from the reddish-brown shade of their wood and bark. In 16th-century Scotland, the unrelated adjective redwood was used to mean "completely deranged."

Example Sentences

Some backers say the bill offers a new economic path forward for communities behind the so-called redwood curtain.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

Stolz’s redwood thighs have been punishing the field in Milan, shattering Olympic records and Dutch dreams.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

A photo of redwood forests, said Elisa Shevlin Rizzo, head of family office advisory at J.P.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 19, 2025

It includes familiar names like oak, birch, and alder, alongside less common species such as coast redwood and Corsican pine, which it is hoped will lead to a more resilient woodland.

From BBC • Oct. 19, 2025

The redwood tree had landed on their camper.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret