redwood

noun

red·​wood ˈred-ˌwu̇d 

1

: any of various woods (such as brazilwood) yielding a red dye

2

: a tree that yields a red dyewood or produces red or reddish wood

3

a

: a very tall coniferous tree (Sequoia sempervirens) of the cypress family that grows chiefly in coastal California, sometimes reaches a height of 360 feet (110 meters), and is a commercially important timber tree

called also coast redwood

see cone illustration compare dawn redwood

b

: its brownish-red durable wood

Examples of redwood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As the ongoing trauma becomes overwhelming, Jesse impulsively flees her urban setting, driving ever westward to points unknown, ending up among the redwoods in Northern California. —Frank Rizzo, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025

Most attendees were entering the show not knowing much, other than the fact that redwood trees were involved. —Emily Burns, WWD, 14 Feb. 2025

There are a few old-growth redwood trees, including one ancient tree 14 feet wide with a natural tunnel through its base. —Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025

Go for one last walk amidst the redwoods at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing redwood

• coast redwood
• dawn redwood

Kids Definition

redwood

noun

red·​wood ˈred-ˌwu̇d 

: a tall cone-producing evergreen tree mostly of coastal California that is related to the bald cypresses and sometimes grows to be 360 feet (110 meters) tall

also : its light long-lasting brownish red wood