hickory
n. C / Un. a type of strong, hard wood from a North American tree. It is often used to make tool handles or to smoke meat for a special flavor.
n. a North American tree of the walnut family, or the tough, heavy wood it produces. Uncountable when referring to the timber or flavor; countable when referring to the botanical species.
The axe handle is made of solid hickory.
The chef uses hickory chips in the smoker to give the ribs a distinct, pungent aroma.
Prized for its exceptional combination of strength and shock resistance, hickory remains the preferred material for high-impact tool handles and traditional sporting equipment.
Usage
Often used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'hickory smoke' or 'hickory tree'.
Last updated May 8, 2026