Woods: meaning, definitions and examples

Informal and general term for an area filled with trees, but smaller than a forest.

• We went hiking in the woods
• The kids built a treehouse in the woods

Refers to a large, dense area filled with trees and often wildlife. Used in a more formal or descriptive context.

• We visited the Amazon rainforest
• The forest is home to many different animal species

A formal term often used in ecology or geography to describe an area where trees are predominant but may not be as dense as a forest.

• The woodland area is protected as a natural reserve
• Woodland creatures can often be seen here

Describes a small group of trees, often man-made or cultivated, such as a fruit grove or a grove of trees in a park. It can also refer to a small, natural cluster of trees.

• They had a picnic in the olive grove
• The orange grove was in full bloom

The term 'woods' can also refer to a type of golf club that is used for long-distance shots, generally made of metal or composite materials today but were traditionally made of wood.

• 'He has a set of woods in his golf bag
• ' 'She prefers using woods for her long drives
• '

A 'wooden club' most commonly refers to a simple, primitive weapon or tool made from wood. In a sports context, it can refer to older types of golf clubs that were traditionally made of wood.

• 'He crafted a wooden club for protection
• ' 'Golfers used to play with wooden clubs before modern materials were introduced
• '

The term 'driver' refers to a person who operates a vehicle. In the context of golf, 'driver' refers to a type of golf club used for making long-distance shots.

• 'The driver took us to the hotel
• ' 'He used his driver to hit the ball over 200 yards
• '

Most appropriate when referring to a dense area covered with trees, often smaller than a forest.

• We went for a hike in the woods near our house
• They set up their picnic in the middle of the woods

Used when referring to the act of following someone or something very quietly, often with bad intentions; has a negative connotation.

• The predator began to stalk its prey
• She was scared because she felt like someone was stalking her

Best used when talking about the dark shape that appears when something blocks light.

• The tree cast a long shadow across the yard
• She noticed the shadow of a bird flying overhead

Applicable when talking about a path or track that is generally used for walking, biking, or hiking.

• They discovered a beautiful new hiking trail in the mountains
• The bike trail runs along the river for several miles