woody
|wood-y|
/ˈwʊdi/
having the character of wood (material, trees, or wood-like quality)
Etymology
'woody' originates from Old English roots via the noun 'wood' and the adjectival suffix '-y', where 'wood' came from Old English 'wudu' meaning 'wood, forest', and '-y' (Old English '-ig') meant 'having the quality of' or 'characterized by'.
'wudu' became Middle English 'wood', and the addition of the suffix '-y' formed the Middle English/early Modern English adjective 'woody', which continued into modern English as 'woody'.
Initially, it meant 'made of wood' or 'wooded'; later it broadened to technical botanical use ('lignified'), sensory descriptions (taste/aroma, sound), and a US slang noun meaning 'an erection'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
uS slang: an erection (especially a spontaneous one).
He got a woody during the movie and felt embarrassed.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
made of wood; consisting primarily of wood.
The cabin has a warm, woody interior.
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Adjective 2
covered with trees; abounding in woods.
We hiked through a shady, woody valley.
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Adjective 3
botany: Having lignified tissue; consisting of or resembling wood in structure.
Many perennials develop woody stems over time.
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Adjective 4
of taste or aroma (especially wine/spirits): having a flavor or scent suggestive of wood or oak aging.
This Chardonnay has a slightly woody aroma from the barrel.
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Adjective 5
of sound or tone: warm and resonant with a wood-like quality.
The guitar produces a rich, woody tone.
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Last updated: 2025/08/10 02:35