boxwood

[ boks-wood ]

noun

1. the hard, fine-grained, compact wood of the box shrub or tree, used for wood-engravers' blocks, musical instruments, etc.
2. the tree or shrub itself.

boxwood

/ ˈbɒksˌwʊd /

noun

1. the hard close-grained yellow wood of the box tree, used to make tool handles, small turned or carved articles, etc
2. the box tree

Word History and Origins

Origin of boxwood¹

First recorded in 1645–55; box ³ + wood ¹

Example Sentences

The hidden courtyard-gardens are lush affairs with manicured boxwood, stone fountains.

From The Daily Beast

Schoolboys call tops made of boxwood, boxers; while the inferior ones, which are generally made of beechwood, they call bacons.

From Project Gutenberg

Boxwood scales are much cheaper, although not so durable as those made of ivory.

From Project Gutenberg

I fashioned a pen from a piece of boxwood, and was agreeably surprised at the excellent results obtained with it.

From Project Gutenberg

The two figures moved stealthily along the boxwood hedge which bordered the rear of the George Brady property.

From Project Gutenberg

The latter he turned for himself upon a lathe; and p 99for this work John sent him a present of boxwood, juniper, and plane.

From Project Gutenberg