brushwood
Brushwood refers to a collection of small twigs, broken branches, and sticks that have fallen from trees or been cleared from shrubs. It is commonly found on the forest floor and is often used as kindling for starting fires or for building simple shelters.
Examples
3 of 5We gathered some dry brushwood from under the oak trees to get the campfire going.
We gathered some dry brushwood from under the oak trees to get the campfire going.
The estate manager ordered the removal of excess brushwood to minimize the risk of seasonal wildfires.
The estate manager ordered the removal of excess brushwood to minimize the risk of seasonal wildfires.
Just toss that pile of brushwood into the corner of the yard for now.
Just toss that pile of brushwood into the corner of the yard for now.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'brush' part as the thin bristles of a broom—brushwood consists of wood pieces that are as thin and brittle as broom bristles.
Quick Quiz
The scout suggested we search for some dry _______ to help light the fire quickly.
Correct!
The correct answer is: brushwood
Examples
We gathered some dry brushwood from under the oak trees to get the campfire going.
everydayWe gathered some dry brushwood from under the oak trees to get the campfire going.
The estate manager ordered the removal of excess brushwood to minimize the risk of seasonal wildfires.
formalThe estate manager ordered the removal of excess brushwood to minimize the risk of seasonal wildfires.
Just toss that pile of brushwood into the corner of the yard for now.
informalJust toss that pile of brushwood into the corner of the yard for now.
The density of the brushwood provides a crucial micro-habitat for various small mammals and insects.
academicThe density of the brushwood provides a crucial micro-habitat for various small mammals and insects.
The landscaping proposal includes a specific line item for the clearing and disposal of all accumulated brushwood.
businessThe landscaping proposal includes a specific line item for the clearing and disposal of all accumulated brushwood.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
bundle of brushwood
bundle of brushwood
hidden in the brushwood
hidden in the brushwood
brushwood fence
brushwood fence
Often Confused With
Firewood usually refers to larger logs used for a sustained flame, while brushwood refers to thin twigs and sticks.
Underbrush refers to living shrubs and bushes growing under trees, while brushwood usually refers to dead, fallen woody material.
Usage Notes
Brushwood is an uncountable noun. It is often used in descriptive writing or technical contexts regarding forestry and fire safety.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 'brushwoods' as a plural form; it should be treated as a mass noun (e.g., 'a lot of brushwood').
Memory Tip
Think of the 'brush' part as the thin bristles of a broom—brushwood consists of wood pieces that are as thin and brittle as broom bristles.
Word Origin
From the Middle English 'brusche' (meaning twigs/thicket) combined with 'wode' (wood).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In historical rural societies, gathering brushwood was a vital daily activity for peasant families to heat their homes and cook meals.
Quick Quiz
The scout suggested we search for some dry _______ to help light the fire quickly.
Correct!
The correct answer is: brushwood
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
at
A1A preposition used to indicate a specific point, location, or position in space. It is also used to specify a particular point in time or a certain state or activity.
but
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two statements that contrast with each other. It is used to introduce an added statement that is different from what has already been mentioned.
his
A1This word is used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned. It functions as both a possessive determiner used before a noun and a possessive pronoun used on its own.
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