catalpa
noun
ca·tal·pa
kə-ˈtal-pə 
-ˈtȯl-
-ˈtȯl-
: any of a genus (Catalpa) of North American and Asian trees of the bignonia family with pale showy flowers in terminal clusters
Examples of catalpa in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Northern catalpa is a big tree, growing up to 60 feet high and 40 feet wide.
—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2026
Watch for it on fruitless mulberries, catalpas, cottonwoods, silver maples, sycamores and others.
—
Neil Sperry,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 June 2025
While making an attractive ornamental tree, northern catalpa can be brittle in wind and under snow load.
—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Feb. 2025
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Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2026
Watch for it on fruitless mulberries, catalpas, cottonwoods, silver maples, sycamores and others.
—
Neil Sperry,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 June 2025
While making an attractive ornamental tree, northern catalpa can be brittle in wind and under snow load.
—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Catalpa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalpa. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
catalpa
noun
ca·tal·pa
kə-ˈtal-pə
-ˈtȯl-
-ˈtȯl-
: any of several trees of North America and Asia with broad oval leaves, showy flowers, and long narrow pods
Etymology
Creek katáłpa "catalpa," from iká "head" and táłpa "wing"
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