old-growth

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˈgrōth 

: of, relating to, or being a forest characterized by the presence of large old trees, numerous snags and woody debris, and a multilayered canopy and that is usually in a late stage of ecological succession

old growth noun

Examples of old-growth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Old Growth Forest Network, a non-profit formed in 2012, documents old-growth forest locations in all 50 states. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025

Studio Burgoon In the living room of a Hyde Park historic bungalow, Studio Burgoon designed a cozy, layered space anchored by a custom media unit crafted from old-growth quartersawn oak, surrounded by vintage furnishings and collected artwork. —Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2025

That’s notable, as old-growth forests are rare in Europe. —Ethan Freedman, Popular Science, 29 Jan. 2025

There are a few old-growth redwood trees, including one ancient tree 14 feet wide with a natural tunnel through its base. —Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for old-growth

• ingrowth
• outgrowth
• both
• doeth
• growth
• loath
• oath
• quoth
• sloth
• troth
• undergrowth

Kids Definition

old-growth

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˈgrōth

: of, relating to, or being a forest characterized by the presence of large old trees, dead standing trees, and fallen rotting trees and that is usually in a late stage of development