softwood

[ sawft-wood, soft- ]

noun

1. any wood that is relatively soft or easily cut.
2. a tree yielding such a wood.
3. Forestry. a coniferous tree or its wood.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or made of softwood.

softwood

/ ˈsɒftˌwʊd /

noun

1. the open-grained wood of any of numerous coniferous trees, such as pine and cedar, as distinguished from that of a dicotyledonous tree
2. any tree yielding this wood

softwood

/ sôft′wd′ /

1. A coniferous tree, especially as distinguished from an angiosperm, or hardwood, tree.
2. The wood of a coniferous tree. Softwoods are in general softer than hardwoods. However, some softwoods, such as yew, are comparatively hard, while some hardwoods, such as basswood, are comparatively soft.

Word History and Origins

Origin of softwood¹

First recorded in 1825–35; soft + wood ¹

Example Sentences

The Evergreen State also produces the second-largest percentage of softwood lumber in the nation, a key component for climate-friendly buildings and furniture.

From Seattle Times

"For years, the United States has imposed unfair, unjust and illegal duties on Canadian softwood lumber, hurting Canadian industry and increasing housing costs in both countries," Trade Minister Mary Ng said in the statement.

From Reuters

Commerce Department ruled earlier in the day that most Canadian softwood lumber would be subject to a 7.99% tax.

From Reuters

Canada has the world's third-largest forest area and is the second-largest softwood lumber producer, according to Canadian government estimates, making it a key supplier of a critical housing material.

From Reuters

Carved from soapstone, they copy the crude softwood miniatures that kids build from dollhouse kits.

From New York Times

Related Words

• forest
• sapling
• seedling
• shrub
• timber
• wood