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

Hallmarks of mid-century modern style include rich hardwood floors, stylish clerestory windows, and oversized glass doors. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2024

Photograph: Lisa Wood Shapiro The Shark S1000 Steam Mop ($70) did a solid job cleaning my hardwood floors. —Lisa Wood Shapiro, WIRED, 7 Dec. 2024

Adjective

It is designed to get in hard-to-reach places and move from hardwood floors to carpets with its self-adjusting head. —Sarah Madaus, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

These hardwood tools are embedded with razor-sharp metal blades of different widths. —Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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