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

Camellias Southerners are well-acquainted with camellias, which are beloved for their cool-season blooms and year-round structure. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025

Aloe vera instantly soothes dryness, while jojoba, camellia, and almond oils keep your lips plush, soft, and supported. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2025

On the model’s ears are spiky white earrings—his interpretation of the Chanel camellia. —Nathan Heller, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025

In January 2025, the cold went all the way to the Gulf Coast, killing citrus trees and freezing the buds off camellias and azaleas. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025

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