redwood

¹ American  

[red-wood] / ˈrɛdˌwʊd /

noun

1. any of the three extant tree species of the coniferous subfamily Sequoioideae, specifically the giant sequoia, coast redwood, and dawn redwood.

2. the valuable brownish-red timber of the coast redwood or giant sequoia, the harvesting of which is strictly regulated.

3. a red or reddish wood.

4. any of various trees yielding a red or reddish wood.

5. any tree whose wood produces a red dyestuff.

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adjective

1. made of red or reddish wood, especially that of the coast redwood or giant sequoia, the harvesting of which is strictly regulated.

   a six-piece set of redwood furniture for the patio.

redwood ² American  

[red-wood] / ˈrɛdˌwʊd /

Or redwud

adjective

Scot.

1. raving mad; insane.

2. distracted with anger; furious.

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redwood British  

/ ˈrɛdˌwʊd /

noun

1. a giant coniferous tree, Sequoia sempervirens , of coastal regions of California, having reddish fibrous bark and durable timber: family Taxodiaceae . The largest specimen is over 120 metres (360 feet) tall See also sequoia

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Etymology

Origin of redwood¹

First recorded in 1610–20; red ¹ + wood ¹

Origin of redwood²

First recorded in 1550–60; red ¹ + wood ²

Example Sentences

The Botanical Gardens, a redwood grove, pickleball courts and a panoramic view of the city are an easy bike ride from home.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

It’s tucked in an old-growth redwood tree in the backcountry of the park, in Humboldt County, where there are no roads and a creek presents an impassable barrier, Williams-Claussen said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

The 4,157-square-foot floor plan is split across seven levels, featuring five bedrooms, five bathrooms and free-flowing living spaces wrapped in redwood and glass.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

A photo of redwood forests, said Elisa Shevlin Rizzo, head of family office advisory at J.P.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 19, 2025

He was probably there now, on a redwood bar stool, watching this exact game.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt