# beech

/ˈbitʃ/ (US) · /bˈiːtʃ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/beech
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a large forest tree with smooth, grey bark and small nuts. It is common in many parts of the world and is often used for making furniture.

For teachers: a large deciduous tree of the genus Fagus, characterised by smooth silvery-grey bark and small edible nuts known as mast. Refers to both the living organism and the hard, pale timber it produces.

## Examples

- The old beech tree provides plenty of shade in the garden.
- The forest floor was covered in a thick layer of copper-coloured leaves from the surrounding beech trees.
- Artisans often prefer beech for kitchenware because the wood is hard, heavy, and lacks a strong odour or taste that could transfer to food.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the wood as a material; countable when referring to the tree species or individual trees.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.