softwood

1 of 2

noun

soft·​wood ˈsȯft-ˌwu̇d 

1

: the wood of a coniferous tree (such as a fir or pine) whether hard or soft as distinguished from that of an angiospermous tree

2

: a tree that yields softwood

softwood

2 of 2

adjective

: having or made of softwood

Examples of softwood in a Sentence

Noun

pines, firs, and other softwoods

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Not high for Canada, in my view, as the fix doesn’t involve complex economic disputes like Canadian softwood lumber exports or its price controls on drugs. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 2 Dec. 2024

This is especially true for softwoods like cedar or pine. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2024

Adjective

The 1862 Homestead Act propelled the popularity of softwood construction. —Anne Quito, Quartz, 26 May 2021

Put it this way: For most softwood trim installation, this nailer is a good choice. —Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 19 Oct. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1855, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

softwood

noun

soft·​wood

ˈsȯf-ˌtwu̇d

1

: the wood of a tree (as a pine or fir) that produces cones as compared to that of a tree (as a maple) that is a broad-leaved flowering plant compare hardwood sense 1

2

: a tree that produces softwood