# ebony

/ˈɛbəni/ (US) · /ˈɛbəni/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ebony
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a very hard, heavy, and dark wood that comes from tropical trees. It is often used to make expensive furniture or piano keys because of its deep black color.

For teachers: a dense, heavy, dark timber obtained from various tropical species of the genus Diospyros. Often used in fine cabinetry and musical instrument manufacturing due to its durability and high polish.

## Examples

- The piano keys are made of real ebony.
- The artisan spent months carving the intricate patterns into the solid ebony chest.
- The contrast between the pale ivory and the deep, lustrous ebony created a striking visual effect on the antique chessboard, highlighting the master craftsman's attention to detail.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the material; can be countable when referring to specific types of the wood or the trees themselves.

---

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.