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

Since these Amazon camellia trees are made from plastic, they can be kept outdoors throughout the year and still maintain their beautiful colors and vibrant leaves. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026

Over 600 glowing camellia and rhododendron bushes were planted by Sig. — Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Pruning time for azaleas and camellias is over; continue to prune gardenias and bougainvillea. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026

Blurring bamboo silk powders keep shine in check without dulling skin, while camellia seed oil and antioxidant-rich vitamin E help mature complexions look smooth, hydrated, and naturally luminous. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 June 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