teak

noun

ˈtēk How to pronounce teak (audio)
1
: a tall tropical Asian timber tree (Tectona grandis) of the mint family
2
: the hard yellowish-brown wood of teak used especially for furniture and shipbuilding

Examples of teak 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.
Burden says to just keep in mind that teak, like most wood, will fade. — Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 6 June 2026 Wide teak decks, polished stainless-steel accents, sleek rigging and billowing white sails define the design. — Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Elsewhere, this same motif is re-created from plaster casts of marine rope alternating with teak inserts. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 16 June 2026 Both feature walls of windows, cedar and teak woods, ocean views, built-ins, a high-end kitchen, and decks; the larger building also includes a pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a bar. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for teak

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese teca, from Malayalam tēkka

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of teak was in 1698

Rhymes for teak

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Browse Nearby Words

teaing
teak
teakettle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

teak

noun
ˈtēk How to pronounce teak (audio)
1
: a tall timber tree of southeastern Asia
2
: the hard durable yellowish brown wood of a teak

called also teak*wood\ ˈtē-​ˌkwu̇d \

More from Merriam-Webster on teak

Nglish: Translation of teak for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about teak

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