hardwood

1 of 2

noun

hard·​wood ˈhärd-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce hardwood (audio)
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
Completed in 2024, the multi-story residence features three bedrooms and five bathrooms filtered across a little more than 3,600 square feet of living space boasting wide-plank hardwood floors, a central white oak staircase, and transitional mezzanine levels providing volume and natural light. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 Complete with a strong suction, the vacuum can pick up dirt, debris, and more from a number of surfaces, including rugs and hardwood floors. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 The lack of rubber grips beneath the chair legs can cause sliding and scratching on hardwood floors. Samantha McIntyre, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024 Clean hardwood floors or carpets with ease and clean all the hard-to-reach places in your home with a detachable vacuum cleaner head. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 9 Mar. 2024 The chair’s frame is made of North American hardwoods. Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2024 The super-strong suction lifts dirt, sand, and pet hair from both rugs and hardwood floors. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 There is also the larger picture, one that goes far beyond the hardwood. Tom Layberger, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Plenty of bodies wound up on the hardwood throughout the game. Steve Fryer, Orange County Register, 11 Feb. 2024
Adjective
Selling points cited on various real estate websites showcasing the property include high ceilings, exposed brick, and hardwood floors. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 Three bedrooms and two bathrooms are packed into just over 1,900 square feet of living space boasting white, cream and beige interiors complemented by hardwood floors, high ceilings and plentiful windows allowing for an abundance of natural light. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 Blonde and faux-distressed hardwood floors lend the place a modern farmhouse vibe and pair well with the long, gallery-like expanses of white walls. James McClain, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2024 There is a mix of different pines and hardwood trees, both young and old. Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2024 The stick vacuum has a 250-watt motor and can hit suction speeds up to 25,000 pascals, effortlessly sucking up dust, cat litter, crumbs, pet hair on a number of surfaces, including marble, tile, carpets, and hardwood floors. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2024 Soft, flagged bristles are suitable for hardwood floors, while stiff bristles are better for outdoor surfaces. Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2024 Find it on Amazon Stop Rugs From Sliding Around With These Grippers These washable Rug grippers can be used on hardwood floors to keep rugs from causing accidents. Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2024 Its 68 acres is comprised of several different habitats, including hardwood hammock, cypress swamp and pine flatwoods, that attract a wide variety of wild birds. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hardwood.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hardwood was in 1686

Dictionary Entries Near hardwood

Cite this Entry

“Hardwood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardwood. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hardwood

1 of 2 noun
hard·​wood ˈhär-ˌdwu̇d How to pronounce hardwood (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on hardwood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!