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

And the apartment, located on the first floor of a prewar co-op, has ten-foot ceilings, period moldings, hardwood floors, and large south-facing windows at one end of the 18-foot-long living and dining room with an open kitchen at the other end. —Kim Velsey, Curbed, 17 June 2025

The historic residence exudes charm, warmth and character thanks to an abundance of rich woodwork, gorgeous coffered ceilings and shining hardwood floors. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025

Adjective

Thickness Thicker chair mats are meant to be used on rugs and carpets, while thinner chair mats work well on hardwood floors. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025

However, they couldn’t be pushed on the hardwood floors of the gym. —Doug Haller, New York Times, 17 June 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