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

Stewart recommended cactus, succulents and an evergreen shrub called an African boxwood.

From Los Angeles Times

The boxwood statue is now on display at the Bonnefanten in “Art Adrift,” a show of some 20 works from the museum’s collection.

From New York Times

Of a photo in which a face pokes through a boxwood hedge, she pointed out, “That’s one of the goofy ones.”

From New York Times

At its former headquarters in eastern Pennsylvania, Air Products had a neatly manicured lawn and boxwood hedges.

From New York Times

What do you think killed the boxwood and should I be concerned about the others?

From Seattle Times