wooden

American  

[wood-n] / ˈwʊd n /

adjective

1. consisting or made of wood; wood.

   a wooden ship.

2. stiff, ungainly, or awkward.

   a wooden gait.

3. without spirit, animation, or awareness.

   Synonyms:

   impassive, lifeless, vacant, expressionless

4. dull or stupid.

5. indicating the fifth event of a series, as a wedding anniversary.

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wooden British  

/ ˈwʊdən /

adjective

1. made from or consisting of wood

2. awkward or clumsy

3. bereft of spirit or animation

   a wooden expression

4. obstinately unyielding

   a wooden attitude

5. mentally slow or dull

6. not highly resonant

   a wooden thud

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verb

1. slang (tr) to fell or kill (a person or animal)

Other Word Forms

• woodenly adverb
• woodenness noun

Etymology

Origin of wooden

First recorded in 1530–40; wood ¹ + -en ²

Example Sentences

The battered wooden trunk had been in the family for a century -- shifted from attic to barn to garage as it was handed down through the generations.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

“As you enter, you’re greeted by a bright, open floor plan with designer finishes and attention to detail including custom built-ins adding extra storage and stunning exposed wooden beams that add character and warmth.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

However, while wooden or leather shields were more common in those times, rare bronze ones were used not only for defence but also symbolised the status of the warriors they belonged to.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

The house cut an impressive figure, jutting out from the main road with its traditional wooden architecture and curved roof tiles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

I set down a kick drum and step onto the wide, flat wooden stage that is about the height of a crate.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith