woods
6 synonyms for woods, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A group of trees covering an area smaller than a forest; a small wooded area.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use woods
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a walk in the woods
lost in the woods
deep in the woods
Etymology
The plural of "wood," used in the same sense of a tree-covered area.
Full origin of woods →Frequently asked questions
What does “woods” mean?
The word “woods” means a group of trees covering an area smaller than a forest; a small wooded area. In plain terms, a patch of trees, usually smaller than what you'd call a forest.
How do you pronounce “woods”?
“Woods” is pronounced wuudz (/wʊdz/ in IPA).
How do you use “woods” in a sentence?
Here is “woods” used in a sentence: “We went for a hike through the woods behind our house.”
What part of speech is “woods”?
“Woods” is a noun.
Is “woods” a common word?
“Woods” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between woods and a forest?
The main difference is size and density. Woods are a smaller area of trees, often light enough to walk through easily and see across. A forest is larger, denser, and more continuous, with a fuller canopy. There is no exact boundary, but 'forest' always suggests something bigger and wilder than 'woods.'
What is the difference between 'wood' and 'woods'?
'Wood' in the singular usually means the material that trees are made of, or in British English a single small wooded area. 'Woods' in the plural refers to a group of trees or a small forested area, as in 'a walk in the woods.' The plural is common in everyday American speech.
What does 'out of the woods' mean?
It is an idiom meaning past the most difficult or dangerous part of a situation, though not necessarily fully safe yet. It is common in medical and financial contexts, as in 'the patient isn't out of the woods yet.' The image is of finally emerging from a threatening forest.
Is 'woods' singular or plural?
The word looks plural and takes a plural form, but it often refers to a single wooded area and can take either a singular or plural verb. People say both 'the woods are quiet' and 'the woods is nearby.' Either is widely accepted, with the plural verb being more common.
