redwood: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral
Quick answer
What does “redwood” mean?
A very tall, long-living coniferous tree (genus Sequoia or Sequoiadendron) native to the western United States, known for its reddish-brown, thick, fire-resistant bark and immense height.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very tall, long-living coniferous tree (genus Sequoia or Sequoiadendron) native to the western United States, known for its reddish-brown, thick, fire-resistant bark and immense height.
1) The reddish, durable timber from this tree. 2) [Often capitalized] A name used for businesses, parks, or institutions, connoting natural grandeur, endurance, or a connection to the U.S. West Coast. 3) Figuratively, something ancient, massive, or enduring.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The tree is not native to the UK. In British English, the word is used with specific reference to the North American species. In American English, it has both specific (the tree) and cultural/geographic connotations (e.g., associated with California, conservation).
Connotations
UK: Exotic, impressive foreign tree. US: National natural treasure, symbol of California and the Pacific Northwest, environmentalism.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American English due to geographic and cultural relevance.
Grammar
How to Use “redwood” in a Sentence
grow among the ~swalk through a ~ forestbe made of ~protect the ancient ~sVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redwood” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb)
American English
- (Not standard as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The table was made from beautiful redwood timber.
- They went hiking in a redwood forest.
American English
- They bought a redwood picnic table for the backyard.
- The house had stunning redwood siding.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
May appear in names of companies (Redwood Logistics, Redwood Trust), connoting stability and growth.
Academic
Used in biology, forestry, environmental science, and geography texts discussing specific species, ecosystems, or conservation.
Everyday
Used when discussing travel to California, nature documentaries, woodworking, or gardening.
Technical
In forestry/botany: precise species identification (Sequoia sempervirens). In timber trade: a grade/type of wood.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “redwood”
Strong
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redwood”
- Confusing 'redwood' (the tree) with 'redwood' as a general term for any reddish wood. Using 'redwood' to refer to cedar or other conifers incorrectly.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In common usage, they are often used interchangeably. More precisely, 'Sequoia' is the genus name. The two main types are the 'coast redwood' (Sequoia sempervirens) and the 'giant sequoia' (Sequoiadendron giganteum). 'Redwood' often refers to the former.
They are native only to a specific coastal region in the USA. However, they have been planted in other parts of the world with similar climates (e.g., UK, New Zealand) as ornamental trees, but they do not reach the same immense sizes as in their native habitat.
Yes, it is prized for its durability, resistance to decay and insects, and straight grain. It is commonly used for outdoor construction, decking, siding, and garden furniture.
Yes, coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) are the tallest trees on Earth. The giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) is the largest by volume.
A very tall, long-living coniferous tree (genus Sequoia or Sequoiadendron) native to the western United States, known for its reddish-brown, thick, fire-resistant bark and immense height.
Redwood is usually neutral in register.
Redwood: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdwʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdˌwʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare as a core idiom, but used in phrases like] 'Standing tall as a redwood' (meaning: being exceptionally resilient or enduring).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the colour RED + WOOD. The tree has reddish bark and wood. 'Seeing REDWOODS in California was on my bucket list.'
Conceptual Metaphor
A REDWOOD IS A GIANT / A REDWOOD IS A MONUMENT (to time/nature).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic that gives the 'redwood' its name?