What does burl mean?
A burl is a hard, rounded outgrowth that forms on the trunk or branches of certain trees, typically where buds have failed to develop normally or the wood has grown abnormally around an injury. Though they may look like deformities, burls are among the most prized materials in fine woodworking: their grain is densely swirled and figured, producing dramatic patterns that cannot be found in ordinary timber. Species such as walnut, maple, and redwood yield especially sought-after burls, which are sliced into veneer or turned into bowls and other objects. In a separate textile sense, a burl is a small knot or lump in yarn or cloth, and American usage includes a verb meaning to remove such imperfections. The word likely derives from Middle English and is related to bur, reflecting its lumpy, irregular character.
A rounded, knotty outgrowth on the trunk or branch of a tree, or a small knot in yarn or cloth.
"The table top was cut from a single enormous walnut burl."
(Chiefly US) To remove knots, lumps, or loose fibres from cloth or yarn.
"The mill hands burled each bolt of fabric by hand before finishing."
Regular plural; used when referring to multiple tree growths or knots in fabric.
"The old oak was covered in burls, each one a potential work of art."
That lumpy growth on a tree that most people ignore? Woodworkers pay a premium for it, because a burl's chaotic grain turns ordinary bowls and tables into art.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of burl
The word "burl" dates back to Middle English, appearing in forms such as "burle," and its ultimate origin is uncertain, though it is generally connected with the noun "bur" or "burr" — the prickly seed case — sharing the idea of a rough, clinging lump. It has been used since at least the early modern period for both woody tree growths and knots in cloth. Cognate or related forms include "bur" itself and words like "burdock," which carry the same root notion of a bristled or knotty object.
Related word forms
How burl is actually used
In woodworking contexts, "burl" carries strongly positive connotations, denoting rare, decorative material; in textiles, it is a minor flaw to be removed. The verb sense is chiefly North American and somewhat dated.
Easily confused with burl
A burr is a prickly seed case or a rough edge on metal, while a burl specifically denotes a rounded woody growth on a tree or a knot in yarn.