camellia

noun

ca·​mel·​lia kə-ˈmēl-yə 

: any of a genus (Camellia) of shrubs or trees of the tea family

especially : an ornamental greenhouse shrub (C. japonica) with glossy leaves and roselike flowers

Examples of camellia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With olive, camellia, coconut, and black cumin oils in the blend, this silky formula transforms from an oil into a soft foam cleanser, keeping skin supple and hydrated rather than tight. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Dec. 2025

Watering And Moisture Management Managing soil moisture is also an important part of protecting plant roots as well as broadleaf evergreens such as hollies, camellias, and boxwoods. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025

This ammonia-free, oil-based (sunflower and camellia oil) formula helps preserve the integrity of your delicate strands while depositing long-lasting color. —Taryn Brooke, Glamour, 21 Nov. 2025

The Encore azaleas are putting on a show, along with one of my new camellias. —Arkansas Online, 17 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Camellia, from Camellus (Georg Josef Kamel †1706 Moravian Jesuit missionary)

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for camellia

• melia
• telia
• adelia
• borrelia
• lobelia
• syringomyelia

Kids Definition

camellia

noun

ca·​mel·​lia kə-ˈmēl-yə 

: a greenhouse shrub that is related to the tea plant and has glossy evergreen leaves and showy roselike flowers