forestry

noun

for·​est·​ry ˈfȯr-ə-strē 

ˈfär-

1

: forestland

2

a

: the science of developing, caring for, or cultivating forests

b

: the management of growing timber

Did you know?

This is the management of forested land, along with associated waters and wasteland, primarily for harvesting timber, but also for conservation and recreation purposes. The harvesting and replanting of timber are the primary activities of forestry, and the main objective is to maintain a continuous supply of timber through carefully planned harvest and replacement. The forest manager is also responsible for the application of other land controls, including the protection of wildlife and the protection of forests from weeds, insects, fungal diseases, erosion, and fire. The planned management of forests originated in early medieval Europe, where laws regulated the felling of timber and the use of forests for hunting. In 1891 the US government authorized its first reserves of forested land.

Examples of forestry in a Sentence

She studied forestry in college.

Recent Examples on the Web

The two countries also signed agreements on trade, investment, energy, critical minerals and forestry. —Arkansas Online, 29 May 2025

Representatives from the forestry sector and dental offices, from the community college and truck dealerships, all came. —Tim Gruber, New York Times, 18 May 2025

These positions typically require related experience or education in environmental science, recreation management or forestry. —Marco Buscaglia, Boston Herald, 5 May 2025

And Ingeborg Mägi, head of impact forestry at carbon removal developer Arbonics said afforestation and improved forest management also brings many co-benefits, including better air quality in an email. —Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for forestry

• agroforestry

Kids Definition

forestry

noun

for·​est·​ry ˈfȯr-ə-strē 

ˈfär-

: the science and practice of caring for forests