old-growth

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˈgrōth How to pronounce old-growth (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a forest characterized by the presence of large old trees, numerous snags and woody debris, and a multilayered canopy and that is usually in a late stage of ecological succession
old growth noun

Examples of old-growth 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.
Among the highlights are Blanford Nature Center, which offers extensive walking trails through an old-growth forest of blazing red sugar maples. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 Road-trip to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, where hilly old-growth forest and more than 90 lakes create memorable autumn scenes. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026 The 11-mile Hoh River Trail explores every nook and cranny of this serene rain forest, while the shorter one-mile Hall of Mosses loops through old-growth forests and maple groves, with a verdant canopy of moss providing shade along the way. — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026 Reclaimed 19th-century pine boards, sourced in Pennsylvania by LV Wood, conjured the old-growth feel of the original floor. — Laura Regensdorf, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for old-growth

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of old-growth was in 1868

Rhymes for old-growth

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Browse Nearby Words

Old Gooseberry
old-growth
old guard
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Cite this Entry

“Old-growth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-growth. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

old-growth

adjective
ˈōl(d)-ˈgrōth
: of, relating to, or being a forest characterized by the presence of large old trees, dead standing trees, and fallen rotting trees and that is usually in a late stage of development
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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