log of wood: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal, descriptive.
Quick answer
What does “log of wood” mean?
A section of the trunk or a large branch of a tree that has been cut, usually for fuel, building, or as a raw material.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A section of the trunk or a large branch of a tree that has been cut, usually for fuel, building, or as a raw material.
By extension, any heavy, dense, and cumbersome object or person, especially one that is perceived as immobile or lacking responsiveness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. 'Log' is standard in both. 'Log' alone is more common than the full phrase 'log of wood' in both varieties.
Connotations
The phrase is purely descriptive with no significant regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Used with similar, low-to-medium frequency in both varieties. More common in contexts of forestry, DIY, and fireplaces.
Grammar
How to Use “log of wood” in a Sentence
[Verb] a log of wooda [Adjective] log of wooda log of wood [Prepositional Phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like timber/forestry or firewood sales.
Academic
Rare in formal academia; more common in descriptive or historical contexts.
Everyday
Common in contexts related to fires, camping, gardening, or DIY.
Technical
Used in forestry, carpentry, and fuel technology, though 'log' alone is more typical.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “log of wood”
- Using 'log' to mean any piece of wood (e.g., a plank or board).
- Overusing the full phrase 'log of wood' where 'log' alone is sufficient (e.g., 'Put another log on the fire').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, no. 'Log' alone implies it is made of wood. The full phrase is slightly more descriptive or emphatic but is often redundant.
Yes, to describe a person or thing that is extremely heavy, inert, slow, or unresponsive (e.g., 'After the marathon, my legs felt like logs of wood').
Chop, split, carry, burn, and haul are all strong, typical collocations.
No. 'Wood' here is an uncountable material noun. The correct plurals are 'logs of wood' or simply 'logs'.
A section of the trunk or a large branch of a tree that has been cut, usually for fuel, building, or as a raw material.
Log of wood is usually neutral to informal, descriptive. in register.
Log of wood: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒɡ əv ˈwʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɔɡ əv ˈwʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sleep like a log”
- “As easy as falling off a log”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LOG cabin made of WOOD. The phrase literally describes its main building material.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMOBILITY/HEAVINESS IS A LOG (e.g., 'He was a log of wood on the sofa'), DENSITY/STUPIDITY IS A LOG (e.g., 'His head is a log of wood').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'log of wood' LEAST likely to be used?