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

Spruce Peak, which sits at the base of Stowe Mountain Resort, was designed with the environment in mind, input from Audubon International, and a focus on preserving local black-bear populations by routing around their preferred habitat of beech trees. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 24 Nov. 2024

Charlie Crane Using natural materials like beech, walnut, and organic cotton, this decade-old Parisian brand churns out thoughtful children’s pieces made to live harmoniously alongside stylish adult furnishings. —Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024

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

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