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

Every year in early spring, the Camellia Society of Sacramento Show celebrates the iconic plant with photo contests, floral displays, and competitions to honor the most spectacular camellias of all. —Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2026

October Magic Rose Camellia This camellia, like other Camellia sasanqua, features large, double salmon-pink blooms. —Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 22 Jan. 2026

Patatua fruit oil and tsubaki seed oil (also known as camellia seed oil) are both rich in oleic acid and antioxidants to enhance shine and strengthen weak hair, which reduces breakage. —Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026

Other camellia species were noted and grown for their flowers gracing gardens of temples and nobility. —Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 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