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.
It also faces steeper tariffs on steel, aluminium and softwood lumber.
From BBC • Feb. 25, 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
And more recent levies are expected to affect Canada’s copper, furniture and softwood lumber.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025
A piece of ½-inch softwood dowel about 5 inches long with 4 No. 9 sewing needles imbedded in one end is used to pick up the kernels.
From Northern Nut Growers Association Thirty-Fourth Annual Report 1943 by Northern Nut Growers Association
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.
