What does redwood mean?
A redwood is a large evergreen conifer belonging to a group of exceptionally tall trees native to the Pacific coast of North America. The best-known examples are the coast redwood and the giant sequoia, both of which can grow to extraordinary heights and live for many centuries. The name also refers to the reddish-brown timber cut from these trees, a material valued for its strength, durability, and distinctive grain. In ordinary use, “redwood” most often means the tree itself, while “redwood lumber” or “redwood timber” clearly indicates the wood. Because the term can cover more than one closely related species, it is broader and sometimes less precise than either “coast redwood” or “giant sequoia.” The word is especially associated with California and the coastal redwood forests of the northern Pacific coast.
nounA redwood is a large evergreen conifer, especially a coast redwood or giant sequoia, native to the Pacific coast of North America. The term can also refer to the durable reddish-brown timber obtained from these trees.
- A large evergreen conifer of the redwood family, native to the Pacific coast of North America.
- The reddish-brown wood obtained from a redwood tree.
"The trail passed through a grove of towering redwoods."
"California is famous for its ancient groves of redwoods."
"The furniture was made from reclaimed redwood."
The plural is redwoods when referring to multiple trees or varieties.
"The hikers crossed a bridge overlooking several redwoods."
Some redwoods are among the tallest living trees, with coast redwoods exceeding 100 metres in height.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redwood come from?
The word is a compound formed in English from “red” and “wood.” It appeared in the 16th century, when the name was applied to trees whose wood was valued for its reddish colour. “Red” descends from Old English read, while “wood” comes from Old English widu; related forms include “ruddy,” “woodland,” and “woodwind.”
Related word forms
How redwood is actually used
The term is primarily North American in reference to the trees, although the timber is used internationally. In botanical and forestry contexts, redwood may refer more narrowly to coast redwood, while giant sequoia is treated separately.
Easily confused with redwood
Redwood is a broad common term that can include both coast redwoods and giant sequoias, whereas sequoia more specifically refers to members of the redwood family, especially the giant sequoia.