willow

noun

wil·​low ˈwi-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce willow (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Salix of the family Salicaceae, the willow family) of trees and shrubs bearing catkins of apetalous flowers and including forms of value for wood, osiers, or tanbark and a few ornamentals
2
: an object made of willow wood
especially : a cricket bat
willowlike
ˈwi-lō-ˌlīk How to pronounce willow (audio)
adjective

Examples of willow 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.
So his assistants took matters into their own hands, cornering a 235-pound black bear and tying it to a willow tree. —Sarah Holzmann, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Feb. 2025 This deodorant contains ingredients like willow bark (to prevent ingrown hairs) and niacinamide (to brighten underarms). —Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 31 Jan. 2025 In 2000, cuttings from the Johnson willows were sent to be planted near the site of Napoleon’s original tomb to restore the presence of the tree there. —Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2025 The couple’s gravestones will be by a willow tree at the edge of the pond. —Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for willow 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wilghe, wilowe, from Old English welig; akin to Middle High German wilge willow

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of willow was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing willow

Dictionary Entries Near willow

Willoughby

willow

willow acacia

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Willow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willow. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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Kids Definition

willow

noun
wil·​low ˈwil-ō How to pronounce willow (audio)
: any of a genus of trees and shrubs that often have narrow leaves, produce catkins for flowers, and include some used for their wood, for making baskets, or as ornamentals
willowlike
-ˌlīk How to pronounce willow (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on willow

Nglish: Translation of willow for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about willow

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