wooden

UK: ˈwʊdən | US: ˈwʊdən

Definition

  1. adj. made of wood

  2. adj. stiff or awkward in movement or manner

  3. adj. lacking ease or grace; dull

Structure
wood <material from trees>en <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "wooden" combines "wood," derived from Old English wudu (meaning "tree" or "forest"), with the suffix "-en," which forms adjectives indicating material or resemblance. Originally, it simply described objects made of wood. Over time, it acquired figurative meanings (e.g., "stiff" or "lifeless") by analogy to the rigid, unyielding nature of wood.

Examples

  1. The table was crafted from solid wooden planks.

  2. His wooden performance failed to impress the audience.

  3. She walked with a wooden gait after the long hike.

  4. The toy was lightweight but surprisingly durable for being wooden.

  5. His jokes fell flat, leaving a wooden silence in the room.