magnolia

noun

mag·​no·​lia mag-ˈnōl-yə 

: any of a genus (Magnolia of the family Magnoliaceae, the magnolia family) of American and Asian shrubs and trees with entire evergreen or deciduous leaves and usually showy white, yellow, rose, or purple flowers usually appearing in early spring

Illustration of magnolia

Examples of magnolia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chamomile provides a delicate contrast to cardamom and pink pepper top notes, while a heart of magnolia and geranium leaves gives off a fresh, spa-like impression. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 14 July 2026

Head to Deer Lake State Park to enjoy an afternoon among Southern magnolias, woody goldenrods, golden asters, and scrub oaks. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 July 2026

My suggestions for low-cost replacements are crape myrtles, small-growing magnolias and treeform ligustrums or pineapple guavas. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026

Yellow Despite being a major staple in cozy '90s kitchens, countertops in mustard, magnolia, and Tuscan yellow can feel dull and unflattering amongst today's more subtle hues. — The Spruce, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Pierre Magnol †1715 French botanist

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

magnolia

noun

mag·​no·​lia mag-ˈnōl-yə 

: any of a genus of North American and Asian trees or tall shrubs having usually showy white, yellow, rose, or purple flowers that appear before or sometimes with the leaves in the spring

Medical Definition

magnolia

noun

mag·​no·​lia mag-ˈnōl-yə 

1

capitalized : a genus (family Magnoliaceae, the magnolia family) of North American and Asian shrubs and trees including some whose bark has been used especially as a bitter tonic and diaphoretic in folk medicine

2

a

: any shrub or tree of the genus Magnolia

b

: the dried bark of a magnolia