Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

nolina

noun
no·​li·​na | \ nōˈlīnə\

Definition of nolina

1 capitalized : a genus of perennial plants (family Liliaceae) of the southern U.S. and Mexico that resemble yuccas and have a thick woody trunk often much dilated at its base and narrow rigid finely serrate leaves which have been used as a source of a hard cordage fiber
2 plural -s : any plant of the genus Nolina : bear grass

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for nolina

New Latin, after P. C. Nolin 18th century French botanist and cleric

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about nolina

Statistics for nolina

Look-up Popularity

Comments on nolina

What made you want to look up nolina? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

wherewithal

means, resources, or money

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Homophone Quiz

  • three-bears-two-of-them-look-like-theyre-whispering-to-a-third-bear-who-looks-chuffed-to-be-the-center-of-attention
  • In order to judge how people felt, the senator's office hired a firm to take a ______.
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games