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Definition of greenwood
greenwood
/ˈɡriːn.wʊd/
green · wood
Plural:greenwoods
greenwood Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
Syllables
2
greenwood Game Scores & Validity
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Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A forest or woodland in full leaf, especially in spring and summer, traditionally depicted in English folklore and ballads as a refuge for outlaws.
Example
"In medieval ballads, Robin Hood and his companions sought refuge from the sheriff deep within the greenwood."
2
Freshly felled, unseasoned wood or timber that still retains its natural moisture and sap.
Example
"Carvers often prefer working with greenwood because the moisture makes the timber much softer and easier to shape with hand tools."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for greenwoodWord Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'grene wode', a compound of 'green' and 'wood', popularized in late medieval English ballads such as the tales of Robin Hood to denote the leafy summer forest as a sanctuary for outlaws.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Greenwood. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/greenwood