Word
hardwood
Phoneticshard·wood, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɑɹdˌwʊd/
UK/hˈɑːdwʊd/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. strong, heavy wood that comes from trees with broad leaves, like oak or maple. People use it to make high-quality floors and furniture because it lasts a long time.
n. the dense, durable timber derived from angiosperm trees, such as oak, beech, or mahogany. Often contrasted with softwood from coniferous trees.
Examples
“We decided to install hardwood floors in the living room.”
“The carpenter recommended using a durable hardwood like oak for the dining table to ensure it survives daily use.”
“While more expensive than synthetic alternatives, genuine hardwood provides a structural longevity and aesthetic warmth that significantly increases the market value of residential properties.”
Examples
simple
“We decided to install hardwood floors in the living room.”
contextual
“The carpenter recommended using a durable hardwood like oak for the dining table to ensure it survives daily use.”
complex
“While more expensive than synthetic alternatives, genuine hardwood provides a structural longevity and aesthetic warmth that significantly increases the market value of residential properties.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the material in general; countable when referring to specific botanical species of trees.
Real-World Examples
“Hardwood deking made from ipê, balau and iroko wood are more expensive than softwood but could give up to double the lifespan.” “We found one bag that was labeled "One ingredient: Oak hardwood" that contained no oak at all.” Etymology
From hard + wood.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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