plural mahoganies
1
: the wood of any of various chiefly tropical trees (family Meliaceae, the mahogany family):
a(1)
: the durable yellowish-brown to reddish-brown usually moderately hard and heavy wood of a West Indian tree (Swietenia mahagoni) that is widely used for cabinetwork and fine finish work
(2)
: a wood similar to mahogany from a congeneric tropical American tree (especially S. macrophylla)
b(1)
: the rather hard heavy usually odorless wood of any of several African trees (genus Khaya)
(2)
: the rather lightweight cedar-scented wood of any of several African trees (genus Entandrophragma) that varies in color from pinkish to deep reddish brown
2
: any of various woods resembling or substituted for mahogany obtained from trees of the mahogany family
3
: a tree that yields mahogany
4
: a moderate reddish brown

Examples of mahogany in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Spirit’s team created a warm mahogany-and-veneer interior defined by curves, with details such as fore-and-aft berths, a shower, a galley, and an electric head. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2026 Miami officials are investigating the unauthorized removal of nearly a dozen native mahogany trees along I-95 after families and environmental advocates found the threatened species cut down to stumps. Abby Dodge, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026 Continue to cook caramel, swirling pan occasionally, until deep mahogany and wisps of smoke rise from the surface (the bubbling will lessen slightly too), 8–12 minutes more. Alexia Duchêne, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026 Inside, spacious rooms showcase contemporary luxury with warm cream hues, vibrant purple accents, mahogany furniture, and marble bathrooms featuring deep soaking tubs. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mahogany

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mahogany was in 1660

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mahogany.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mahogany. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

mahogany

noun
plural mahoganies
1
: the wood of any of various chiefly tropical trees: as
a
: the strong usually reddish brown and heavy wood of a West Indian tree that is widely used to make furniture
b
: any of several African woods that vary in color from pinkish to deep reddish brown
2
: any of various woods resembling or substituted for true mahogany
3
: a tree from which mahogany is obtained
4
: a moderate reddish brown

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