hardwood

1 of 2

noun

hard·​wood ˈhärd-ˌwu̇d 

1

: the wood of an angiospermous tree as distinguished from that of a coniferous tree

2

: a tree that yields hardwood

3

: a basketball court

hardwood

2 of 2

adjective

1

: having or made of hardwood

hardwood floors

2

: consisting of mature woody tissue

hardwood cuttings

Examples of hardwood in a Sentence

Noun

They used expensive hardwoods for the flooring.

oaks, maples, and other hardwoods

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Just enough remained to identify the vessel: crumpled copper sheathing from the period; iron ballast blocks that were mentioned in the manifest; and, most crucially, timber from a tropical hardwood that grew in Mozambique. —Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025

There are ample closets, windows in every room, hardwood floors, and a bathroom with a beautiful old bathtub, black-and-white tile, and a pedestal sink. —Kim Velsey, Curbed, 18 Feb. 2025

Adjective

As for hardwood floors, Cohoon says weekly vacuuming using a setting that's designed for wood or sweeping with a soft microfiber cloth is sufficient. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025

The formal living room has hardwood floors, a gas fireplace and French doors, that open to another covered porch. —Angela Serratore, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hardwood

• allgood
• basswood
• beechwood
• bellwood
• birchwood
• boxwood
• boyhood
• brushwood
• childhood
• cordwood
• dogwood
• driftwood

Kids Definition

hardwood

1 of 2 noun

hard·​wood ˈhär-ˌdwu̇d 

1

: the wood of a tree (as an oak or maple) producing flowers and having usually broad leaves as compared to the wood of a tree bearing cones and having needlelike leaves compare softwood sense 1

2

: a tree that yields hardwood

hardwood

2 of 2 adjective

1

: having or made of hardwood

2

: consisting of mature woody tissue

a hardwood cutting