beech

noun

ˈbēch 

plural beeches or beech

: any of a genus (Fagus of the family Fagaceae, the beech family) of hardwood trees with smooth gray bark and small edible nuts

also : its wood

beechen

ˈbē-chən 

adjective

Examples of beech in a Sentence

a box made of beech

Recent Examples on the Web

The whole set of six wood chips – which adds hickory, apple, pear and beech – can be added on to the order for $15. —New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2024

The zelkova wood used for many pieces, which looks similar to beech, is a traditional building material for temples in Japan. —Anna-Lena Reith, Architectural Digest, 13 Oct. 2024

This fast-absorbing cream lifts, firms, and smooths your complexion all at once with a slew of skin-loving ingredients like hydrating sodium hyaluronate and beech tree extract, which is rich in tone-evening antioxidants. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 9 Oct. 2024

Some popular trees commonly used as fall decor are Japanese maple, birch, beech, and various fruit trees. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English beche, from Old English bēce; akin to Old English bōc beech, Old High German buohha, Latin fagus, Greek phēgos oak

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing beech

• copper beech

Kids Definition

beech

noun

ˈbēch 

plural beeches or beech

: any of a genus of trees with smooth gray bark and small edible nuts

also : its wood

beechen

ˈbē-chən 

adjective