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 Gators had not won the national title on the hardwood since doing so back-to-back in 2006 and 2007 under Billy Donovan. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025

But on the hardwood, Houston’s suffocating defense might just be their kryptonite. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025

Adjective

Inside is a bright living room, which has hardwood floors and picture windows that face trees. —Angela Serratore, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

Plans include ripping up the plot’s grass and putting in hardscape—possibly limestone—for a patio and some hardwood floors for dancing, reports The New York Times. —Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 1 Apr. 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