willow

noun

wil·​low ˈwi-(ˌ)lō 

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 

adjective

Examples of willow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Almost any large, mature tree can develop surface roots, but species like sycamore, poplar, willow, silver maple, and, of course, bald cypress, famous for its knees, are most likely to show their roots. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026

Hyaluronic acid, white willow bark, and mixed fruit acid extracts are also included in the formula. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026

Water levels remained high in 2024, killing thousands of cottonwoods and willows. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026

Willow Bark Tea The bark of willow trees has been used as a pain medication worldwide for over 3,500 years. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2026

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

Phrases Containing willow

• weeping willow
• willow herb

Rhymes for willow

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

willow

noun

wil·​low ˈwil-ō 

: 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 

adjective