noun

dogwood

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Dogwood (noun) means a dogwood is any of several small trees or shrubs of the genus Cornus, including the wild cornel and the flowering cornel. Example: “They planted a dogwood by the front gate for its spring blossom.”

noun

A dogwood is any of several small trees or shrubs of the genus Cornus, including the wild cornel and the flowering cornel.

"They planted a dogwood by the front gate for its spring blossom."

"The dogwood in the garden turns deep red in autumn."

"Several dogwoods line the path through the park."

Dogwood is also the timber that comes from these trees and shrubs.

"The handle was carved from dogwood."

"Dogwood is prized by some craftspeople for its hardness."

Examples of dogwood in a sentence →

How to use dogwood

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDogwood is a small flowering tree, and also the name of the wood it produces.

When to use it

This is an everyday name used in gardening and general nature writing.

Memory tip

Dogwood can refer to the living tree or to its timber, so check the context to see which is meant.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

flowering dogwood dogwood blossom dogwood tree plant a dogwood

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “dogwood” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

They planted a _____ by the front gate for its spring blossom.

Etymology

Dogwood was formed within English from an old word for a sharp object, joined to 'wood', since the tree's hard twigs were once used as skewers or similar pointed tools.

Origin: English

Rhymes for dogwood

food good wood mood hood snood blood flood brood Atwood Osgood sapwood

See all rhymes for dogwood →

Frequently asked questions

What is a dogwood tree?

A dogwood is a small tree or shrub of the genus Cornus, such as the wild cornel or the flowering cornel, often grown for its blossom.

Where does the name dogwood come from?

It comes from an old word for a sharp object joined to 'wood', reflecting how the tough twigs were once used as skewers.

Is dogwood a hardwood?

The timber from dogwood trees and shrubs is generally hard and dense, which is why it has been used for small carved items.

What is the meaning of dogwood?

"dogwood" (noun) means a dogwood is any of several small trees or shrubs of the genus Cornus, including the wild cornel and the flowering cornel.