magnolia

noun

mag·​no·​lia mag-ˈnōl-yə 

: any of a genus (Magnolia of the family Magnoliaceae, the magnolia family) of American and Asian shrubs and trees with entire evergreen or deciduous leaves and usually showy white, yellow, rose, or purple flowers usually appearing in early spring

Illustration of magnolia

Examples of magnolia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The decor throughout pays homage to local style and the Louisiana environment with white shiplap walls, white-oak details, and, above the beds, oversize plaster wall reliefs depicting magnolia flowers. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 June 2026

Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026

The coastal forest consists of scrub oaks and magnolias. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 June 2026

Not all the plants survived, partly because half the garden is shaded by a large magnolia tree on the parking strip. — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Pierre Magnol †1715 French botanist

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

magnolia

noun

mag·​no·​lia mag-ˈnōl-yə 

: any of a genus of North American and Asian trees or tall shrubs having usually showy white, yellow, rose, or purple flowers that appear before or sometimes with the leaves in the spring

Medical Definition

magnolia

noun

mag·​no·​lia mag-ˈnōl-yə 

1

capitalized : a genus (family Magnoliaceae, the magnolia family) of North American and Asian shrubs and trees including some whose bark has been used especially as a bitter tonic and diaphoretic in folk medicine

2

a

: any shrub or tree of the genus Magnolia

b

: the dried bark of a magnolia