catalpa

noun

ca·​tal·​pa kə-ˈtal-pə How to pronounce catalpa (audio) -ˈtȯl- How to pronounce catalpa (audio)
: any of a genus (Catalpa) of North American and Asian trees of the bignonia family with pale showy flowers in terminal clusters

Examples of catalpa 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.
While making an attractive ornamental tree, northern catalpa can be brittle in wind and under snow load. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2025 The bunny tracks running up from the bramble to the catalpa. — Rachel Coye, The Atlantic, 25 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Creek katáłpa, from iká head + táłpa wing

First Known Use

circa 1730, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catalpa was circa 1730

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“Catalpa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalpa. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

catalpa

noun
ca·​tal·​pa kə-ˈtal-pə How to pronounce catalpa (audio) -ˈtȯl- How to pronounce catalpa (audio)
: any of several trees of North America and Asia with broad oval leaves, showy flowers, and long narrow pods
Etymology

Creek katáłpa "catalpa," from iká "head" and táłpa "wing"

More from Merriam-Webster on catalpa

Nglish: Translation of catalpa for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about catalpa

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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