English Reference
noun

wood

n.
US /ˈwʊd/ UK /wˈʊd/ wood UK spelling wooding

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    the hard substance that forms the trunk and branches of a tree.

    the hard, fibrous structural tissue that makes up the main substance of the trunk or branches of a tree or shrub. Uncountable when referring to the material generally.

    Simple

    The dining table is made of solid wood and is very heavy.

    In context

    The artisan selected a high-density wood for the cabinet, ensuring the finished piece would resist warping in humid climates.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    an area of land covered with a thick growth of trees.

    an area of land, smaller than a forest, that is covered with a thick growth of trees. Often used in the plural form 'the woods' to refer to a single forested area.

    Simple

    We spent the afternoon walking through the woods behind our house.

    In context

    The path meandered through a dense wood of ancient oaks before opening onto a wide, sunlit meadow.

    Pitfall
    We went for a walk in the wood. We went for a walk in the woods.

    While 'a wood' is correct, English speakers usually use the plural 'the woods' to describe the place where they walk.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    a type of golf club used for hitting the ball long distances.

    a type of golf club with a large head, traditionally made of wood but now usually made of metal. Used for long-distance shots.

    Simple

    He used a three-wood to hit the ball onto the green.

    In context

    Despite the technological shift to titanium, golfers still refer to these long-distance clubs as woods due to their historical construction.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Music

    a group of musical instruments like the flute or clarinet.

    a collective term for woodwind instruments. Usually used in the plural to refer to the section of an orchestra.

    Simple

    The composer wrote a beautiful melody specifically for the wood section.

    In context

    The conductor requested a softer attack from the woods to avoid overpowering the delicate solo from the first violin.

    woodwinds
  5. 05 C2 Proficiency SlangVulgarInformal

    a slang word for when a man's penis becomes hard.

    a slang term for a penile erection. Highly informal and potentially offensive in professional or mixed company.

    Simple

    The teenage boys were making crude jokes about having wood.

    In context

    The script was criticized for its reliance on juvenile humor, including several unnecessary references to wood.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated