white oak

noun

: any of various oaks (especially Quercus alba of eastern North America) with acorns that mature in one year and leaf veins that never extend beyond the margin of the leaf
also : its hard strong durable wood

Illustration of white oak

Illustration of white oak
  • leaves and acorns

Examples of white oak 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.
The core range already includes the Cigar Malt Reserve, a non-age statement whisky matured in a combination of American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, Cabernet Sauvignon barriques, and Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026 The most common natives are northern red (Quercus rubra) and white oak (Quercus alba). — Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026 Archaeologists and Colonial Williamsburg’s construction team modeled the new church out of pine and white oak woods, and recreated details like the original half-round brick steps. — Nancy Jiang, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Archaeologists and Colonial Williamsburg's construction team modeled the new church out of pine and white oak woods, and recreated details like the original half-round brick steps. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for white oak

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of white oak was in 1610

Rhymes for white oak

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Browse Nearby Words

white nun orchid
white oak
white oakum
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Cite this Entry

“White oak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20oak. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

white oak

noun
: any of various oaks with acorns that mature in one year
also : the hard, strong wood of a white oak that lasts well and is not easily rotted by water

More from Merriam-Webster on white oak

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about white oak

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