Driftwood: meaning, definitions and examples

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driftwood

 

[ ˈdrɪftwʊd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

natural material

Driftwood refers to wood that has been washed onto the shore of a body of water by the action of waves or currents. It can vary in size and shape, often being smooth and weathered due to the natural processes affecting it.

Synonyms

beachwood, floating wood, washed-up wood

Examples of usage

  • We collected driftwood on the beach for our art project.
  • The artist used pieces of driftwood to create a sculpture.
  • On our hike, we found driftwood scattered along the riverbank.
  • The driftwood added a rustic charm to the coastal decor.

Translations

Translations of the word "driftwood" in other languages:

🇵🇹 madeira flutuante

🇮🇳 तैरता हुआ लकड़ी

🇩🇪 Treibholz

🇮🇩 kayu apung

🇺🇦 плаваюче дерево

🇵🇱 driftwood

🇯🇵 流木

🇫🇷 bois flotté

🇪🇸 madera flotante

🇹🇷 yüzen ağaç

🇰🇷 표류목

🇸🇦 خشب عائم

🇨🇿 plovoucí dřevo

🇸🇰 plávajúce drevo

🇨🇳 漂流木

🇸🇮 plavajoče les

🇮🇸 fljótandi timbur

🇰🇿 жүзуші ағаш

🇬🇪 მოხრილი ხე

🇦🇿 suyun üstündəki ağac

🇲🇽 madera flotante

Word origin

The term 'driftwood' is derived from the combination of 'drift,' which comes from the Old English word 'driftan,' meaning 'to be driven or carried away,' and 'wood,' which refers to the hard, fibrous material from trees. This combination reflects the natural process through which wood becomes driftwood, as it is carried away by water currents, eventually ending up on shores or riverbanks. The phenomenon has likely been observed since ancient times, leading to its integration into various cultures for practical uses such as fuel and construction. As peoples interacted with natural resources, the significance of driftwood expanded beyond utility to include artistic inspiration and ecological awareness, making it an important symbol in both environmental and cultural discussions.