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 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

An antique white linen napkin and simple ceramic candle holders trimmed with a bit of pine and boxwood complete the look.

From Washington Post