Word
cottonwood
Phoneticscot·ton·wood, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɑtənˌwʊd/
UK/kˈɒtənwˌʊd/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a large tree with soft, white bark and leaves that look like those of a poplar. It is common in the western parts of North America and has a soft, light wood.
n. a deciduous tree of the genus Populus, native to North America, characterized by a smooth, whitish bark and broad, triangular leaves. The wood is soft and lightweight, often used for interior joinery or as a substitute for basswood.
Examples
“The cottonwood tree drops its fluffy seeds in the spring.”
“We spent the afternoon hiking through the cottonwood grove near the riverbank, enjoying the shade of the tall trees.”
“The cottonwood's rapid growth and expansive canopy make it a popular choice for windbreaks, though its brittle wood can be prone to breaking during heavy storms.”
Examples
simple
“The cottonwood tree drops its fluffy seeds in the spring.”
contextual
“We spent the afternoon hiking through the cottonwood grove near the riverbank, enjoying the shade of the tall trees.”
complex
“The cottonwood's rapid growth and expansive canopy make it a popular choice for windbreaks, though its brittle wood can be prone to breaking during heavy storms.”
Real-World Examples
“This soaring tree, beside the busy Thames path, turns out to be a hybrid of a (native) black poplar and an eastern cottonwood, brought to Europe from North America by French colonists.” “Fluff from cottonwood trees and milkweed plants works well, too.” Etymology
From cotton + wood.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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