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magnolia

noun mag·no·lia \ mag-ˈnōl-yə \
|Updated on: 20 Jun 2018

Definition of magnolia

: 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

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Recent Examples of magnolia from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'magnolia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of magnolia

illustration of magnolia

Origin and Etymology of magnolia

New Latin, from Pierre Magnol †1715 French botanist

MAGNOLIA Defined for English Language Learners

magnolia

noun

Definition of magnolia for English Language Learners

  • : a tree or tall bush that has white, pink, yellow, or purple flowers

MAGNOLIA Defined for Kids

magnolia

noun mag·no·lia \ mag-ˈnōl-yə \

Definition of magnolia for Students

: a tree or tall shrub having showy white, pink, yellow, or purple flowers that appear in early spring

Medical Dictionary

magnolia

noun mag·no·lia \ mag-ˈnōl-yə \

medical Definition of magnolia

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

Learn More about magnolia

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of magnolia Nglish: Translation of magnolia for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about magnolia

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