woody

1 of 2

adjective

ˈwu̇-dē How to pronounce woody (audio)
woodier; woodiest
Synonyms of woodynext
1
: abounding or overgrown with woods
2
a
: of or containing wood or wood fibers : ligneous
woody tissues
b
: having woody parts : rich in xylem and associated structures
woody plants
3
: characteristic of or suggestive of wood
wine with a woody flavor
woodiness noun

woody

2 of 2

noun

ˈwu̇-dē How to pronounce woody (audio)
variants or woodie
plural woodies
: a wood-paneled station wagon

Examples of woody in a Sentence

Adjective a woody piece of land
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.
Adjective
The sweet, woody scent of Georgia pines blended with the wafting aroma of sizzling hot dogs and hamburgers. — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 Over the years, Kozlowski has also observed ComEd’s efforts to manage woody invasives. — Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
Cat’s claw is a woody vine that grows in the Amazon forest and other tropical areas of Central and South America, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 The county’s broader biomass program began in 2006 and aims to reduce wildfire risks, improve air quality and find uses for excess woody material. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for woody

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alteration of wood entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of woody was in the 12th century

Rhymes for woody

See All Rhymes for woody

Browse Nearby Words

woodwright
woody
woodyard
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Woody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/woody. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

woody

adjective
ˈwu̇d-ē
woodier; woodiest
1
: having or covered with trees
a woody piece of land
2
: of or containing wood or wood fibers
woody plant tissue
3
: characteristic of or similar to wood
a woody texture

More from Merriam-Webster on woody

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for woody

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