white oak
1 Americannoun
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an oak, Quercus alba, of eastern North America, having a light-gray to white bark and yielding a hard, durable wood: the state tree of Connecticut and Maryland.
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any of several other species of oak, as Q. garryana or Q. lobata, of western North America.
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the wood of any of these trees.
noun
noun
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a large oak tree, Quercus alba, of E North America, having pale bark, leaves with rounded lobes, and heavy light-coloured wood
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any of several other oaks, such as the roble
Etymology
Origin of white oak
1625–35;
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.
There is even a white oak staircase shaped like a rugby ball which is "very on trend for Wales", according to Friday.
From BBC • May 30, 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
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is restoring managed fire in the western end of North Carolina to encourage the growth of white oak saplings and rivercane, a traditional weaving material.
From Salon • Oct. 20, 2024
Wood grain kitchen cabinets, particularly white oak, or cabinets in vibrant colors are taking over from the white kitchens that were popular the last few years.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 21, 2023
Knowing that I couldn’t carry him and the ax and lantern, I stuck the ax deep in the side of a white oak tree.
From "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls
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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.