hardwood

1 of 2

noun

hard·​wood ˈhärd-ˌwu̇d 

1

: the wood of an angiospermous tree as distinguished from that of a coniferous tree

2

: a tree that yields hardwood

3

: a basketball court

hardwood

2 of 2

adjective

1

: having or made of hardwood

hardwood floors

2

: consisting of mature woody tissue

hardwood cuttings

Examples of hardwood in a Sentence

Noun

They used expensive hardwoods for the flooring.

oaks, maples, and other hardwoods

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The second-floor apartment features soaring ceilings and original hardwood floors, as well as a walk-through stone tiled shower. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2025

In one clip, Charlie tries to lick the camera, and another shows him in a deep sleep — not in his fuzzy dog bed but on the hardwood floor below. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025

Adjective

Here, there is an open stairway to the second floor with a shadow boxing detail for visual appeal, while beautifully maintained hardwood floors add warmth. —James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2025

As for hardwood floors, Cohoon says weekly vacuuming using a setting that's designed for wood or sweeping with a soft microfiber cloth is sufficient. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hardwood

• allgood
• basswood
• beechwood
• bellwood
• birchwood
• boxwood
• boyhood
• brushwood
• childhood
• cordwood
• dogwood
• driftwood

Kids Definition

hardwood

1 of 2 noun

hard·​wood ˈhär-ˌdwu̇d 

1

: the wood of a tree (as an oak or maple) producing flowers and having usually broad leaves as compared to the wood of a tree bearing cones and having needlelike leaves compare softwood sense 1

2

: a tree that yields hardwood

hardwood

2 of 2 adjective

1

: having or made of hardwood

2

: consisting of mature woody tissue

a hardwood cutting