boxwood

noun

box·​wood ˈbäks-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce boxwood (audio)
1
: the close-grained heavy hard tough wood of the box (genus Buxus)
also : a wood of similar properties
2
: a tree producing boxwood

Examples of boxwood in a Sentence

We planted a few boxwoods.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Littleleaf boxwood surrounds one planting area filled with iceberg roses. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026 This disease can swiftly affect nearby boxwood. Lauren Dunec Hoang, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026 Most of those shrubs are of just a few kinds — standard varieties of yew, boxwood, juniper and arborvitae. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026 Depending on their arrangement and pruning practices, boxwood can lend a formal or informal appearance to rose plantings. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boxwood

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boxwood was in 1601

Cite this Entry

“Boxwood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boxwood. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

boxwood

noun
box·​wood ˈbäk-ˌswu̇d How to pronounce boxwood (audio)
: the tough hard wood of the box
also : the box tree

More from Merriam-Webster on boxwood

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster