driftwood

noun

drift·​wood ˈdrift-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce driftwood (audio)
1
: wood drifted or floated by water
2
: flotsam sense 2

Examples of driftwood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Coastal spaces favor salt, driftwood and light citrus. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026 Floating on a piece of driftwood, the prince is an easy target for the Triarchy’s arrows. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026 In addition to the calming shore color, both the duvet cover and sheet set are available in white, driftwood, dew, and laurel. — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 6 May 2026 The lumber used to build the castle was essentially driftwood from steamboat wrecks that floated down the river and into Gray's hands. — John Lauritsen, CBS News, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for driftwood

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of driftwood was in 1633

Rhymes for driftwood

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Browse Nearby Words

driftwind
driftwood
drifty
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Driftwood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/driftwood. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

driftwood

noun
drift·​wood ˈdrift-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce driftwood (audio)
: wood drifted or floated by water

More from Merriam-Webster on driftwood

Nglish: Translation of driftwood for Spanish Speakers

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