cottonwood

[ kot-n-wood ]

noun

1. any of several American poplars, as Populus deltoides, having toothed, triangular leaves and cottonlike tufts on the seeds.

cottonwood

/ ˈkɒtənˌwʊd /

noun

1. any of several North American poplars, esp Populus deltoides, whose seeds are covered with cottony hairs
2. Also calledtauhinu a native New Zealand shrub, Cassinia leptophylla , with daisy-like flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of cottonwood¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; cotton + wood ¹

Example Sentences

After a fire, snowbush, elderberry trees, currant bushes, cottonwoods, willow, and ocean spray regrew with gusto.

From Popular-Science

Don’t miss the New Mexico–inspired Gallery Hózhó in the hotel lobby, then head a few miles north to the peaceful haven of Los Poblanos, a historic inn located on 25 acres of gardens, lavender fields, and cottonwood trees.

From Outside Online

According to the study, one project in Alaska consists almost entirely of giant Sitka spruces, yet the local regional average was calculated from a wide mix of trees, including species like cottonwoods that store far less carbon.

From MIT Technology Review

Sometimes that meant simply sitting down and listening to the frogs, the wind through cottonwood trees, or even just the sound of silence.

From Outside Online

We met under the shade of a cottonwood in a parking lot behind a baseball stadium.

From The Daily Beast

What was equally important, a thick clump of cottonwood and willow furnished tolerably secure concealment.

From Project Gutenberg

The store was a barn-like building, with a row of poplars at the north, and a big cottonwood in front.

From Project Gutenberg

They found a little spring at the base of a solitary cottonwood tree, and decided to remain there until daylight.

From Project Gutenberg

They climbed noiselessly into a large cottonwood, and went sufficiently high to obtain a splendid view of the Kiowa camp.

From Project Gutenberg

Once in a dog's age you came to a straggling fringe of cottonwood-trees, indicating a creek bottom.

From Project Gutenberg