English Reference
noun

forestry

n.
US /ˈfɔɹəstɹi/ UK /fˈɒɹɪstɹi/ forestry UK spelling forestries

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    the science and practice of planting and looking after forests.

    the science and professional practice of managing, planting, and conserving forests.

    Simple

    She decided to study forestry because she wanted to help protect the country's national parks.

    In context

    Modern forestry balances the industrial demand for timber with the urgent need to preserve biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems.

    Usage

    uncountable in this sense

    silvicultureforest management
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the business of growing trees to produce wood and timber.

    the commercial industry of cultivating and harvesting trees for timber and other forest products.

    Simple

    The local economy relies heavily on forestry and wood processing.

    In context

    The government introduced new subsidies to encourage sustainable forestry practices among private landowners in the northern regions.

    Usage

    uncountable in this sense

    timber industrytree farming
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical

    an area of land that is covered with trees.

    a specific area of land covered by forest or managed for timber production.

    Simple

    The map shows several large forestries located along the river valley.

    In context

    The survey identified three distinct forestries within the estate that required immediate thinning to prevent the spread of disease.

    Usage

    can be used as a countable noun in technical or land-management contexts

    Teacher's tip

    In everyday English, people usually just say 'forest' or 'woods' for the physical place.

Usage forestry sector


From Middle English forestrie, forsterie (suggested by Middle English forster, forester (“forester”)), from Old French foresterie, from forest.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French foresterie
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated