noun
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the open-grained wood of any of numerous coniferous trees, such as pine and cedar, as distinguished from that of a dicotyledonous tree
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any tree yielding this wood
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A coniferous tree, especially as distinguished from an angiosperm, or hardwood, tree.
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The wood of a coniferous tree. Softwoods are in general softer than hardwoods. However, some softwoods, such as yew, are comparatively hard, while some hardwoods, such as basswood, are comparatively soft.
Etymology
Origin of softwood
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Quintanas’ shipments were suddenly declared to be coming from other countries, or to be softwood plywood, to which the high tariffs didn’t apply, according to court records.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
In October, a 10-percent duty on imported softwood timber and lumber came into effect, along with a 25-percent duty on certain upholstered furniture and kitchen cabinets.
From Barron's • Jan. 1, 2026
In addition, softwood lumber, which is key for home construction, could score relief, they said.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 12, 2025
On Tuesday, Trump's new 10% tariff on softwood lumber came into effect.
From BBC • Oct. 16, 2025
In the future, we shall have to compete in the softwood export business with Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway and the various states of southeastern Europe which sell lumber.
From The School Book of Forestry by Pack, Charles Lathrop
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
