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

Once Mother Nature has given you the go-ahead, Vater recommends planting broadleaf evergreens such as gardenias, camellias, and hollies during this early planting season. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026

Recently, there has been a return to old-school plants like lilac and camellia, and to perennials like delphinium, but in very intentional ways, Kelly says. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 4 Mar. 2026

The terrace seats open to panoramic city views framed by weeping cherry trees and camellias, serving Champagne, wine, and hors d'oeuvres. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026

Here, panax ginseng root extract takes center stage, paired with camellia japonica and green tea seed oils to nourish without weighing hair down. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Feb. 2026

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