driftwood

noun

drift·​wood ˈdrift-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce driftwood (audio)
1
: wood drifted or floated by water
2

Examples of driftwood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the midst of this waits Moonstone Beach, often strewn with driftwood, and Moonstone Beach Drive, which is lined by about a dozen inns and boutique hotels. Stroll the mile-long Moonstone Beach Boardwalk. Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025 Remaining Time The beachside setting informed the design of the hotel, and all materials are reclaimed or repurposed and locally sourced, including eco-friendly and economical driftwood that’s prominently employed throughout the property. Shivani Vora, Architectural Digest, 30 Dec. 2024 Most of the trees have ornaments made of shells, driftwood, even starfish. Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 25 Dec. 2024 Waves may also lift driftwood logs, trapping anyone caught underneath. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for driftwood

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of driftwood was in 1633

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Driftwood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/driftwood. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

driftwood

noun
drift·​wood ˈdrift-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce driftwood (audio)
: wood drifted or floated by water

More from Merriam-Webster on driftwood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!