# Oaks

/ˈoʊks/ (US) · /ˈəʊks/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. multiple trees

noun · CEFR B1

more than one oak tree.

For teachers: the plural form of the common deciduous or evergreen tree of the genus Quercus, known for its hard wood and acorns.

- The park is famous for its ancient oaks that have stood for centuries.
- The rolling hills were densely populated with ancient oaks, their gnarled branches creating a thick canopy that shielded the forest floor from the midday sun.

### 2. horse racing

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a famous horse race for three-year-old female horses.

For teachers: a classic stakes race restricted to three-year-old fillies, most notably the Epsom Oaks in England or the Kentucky Oaks in the United States.

- She placed a small bet on the favorite to win the Oaks this year.
- Winning the Oaks is considered one of the highest achievements for a three-year-old filly, often determining her future value at stud.

Usage: Usually capitalized as 'The Oaks'.

## Examples

- The park is full of old oaks that provide lots of shade.
- The furniture maker prefers using wood from mature oaks because of its strength and beautiful grain patterns.
- Ancient oaks often serve as entire ecosystems, supporting hundreds of species of insects, birds, and fungi within their expansive canopies and deep root systems.

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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.