cottonwood

noun

cot·​ton·​wood ˈkä-tᵊn-ˌwu̇d 

: any of several poplars having seeds with cottony hairs

especially : one (Populus deltoides) of the eastern and central U.S. often cultivated for its rapid growth and luxuriant foliage

Examples of cottonwood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The river is bordered by a scenic cottonwood forest. —Amanda Kooser, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

The couple have been in recovery mode ever since - burying cattle, ripping up the remains of 100-year-old cottonwood trees and replacing about 18 miles of fences. —Rachel Osier Lindley, NPR, 20 Mar. 2025

In contrast, the creek corridor is dense with cottonwood trees and undergrowth that is habitat for all sorts of wildlife. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 28 Apr. 2025

The week before the ceremony, the community cuts down cottonwood trees and gathers yucca plants and other supplies for the dance. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cottonwood

• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood
• likelihood
• livelihood
• maidenhood

Kids Definition

cottonwood

noun

cot·​ton·​wood -ˌwu̇d 

: a poplar with a small bunch of cottony hairs on the seed

especially : one of the eastern and central U.S. that grows rapidly and produces many leaves