osier

noun

ˈō-zhər 

1

: any of various willows (especially Salix viminalis) whose pliable twigs are used for furniture and basketry

2

: a willow rod used in basketry

3

: any of several American dogwoods

especially : red osier

Examples of osier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Red osier dogwood is a native blooming shrub that is found along stream beds. — oregonlive, 27 Aug. 2021

Colorful bark is a main feature of red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea subsp. — Beth Botts, chicagotribune.com, 28 Feb. 2021

Such non-native woody plants as autumn olive and honeysuckle were sprayed, while natives such as red osier and gray dogwood were spared. — James F. McCarty, cleveland.com, 16 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin auseria osier bed

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing osier

• red osier

Rhymes for osier

• closure
• crozier
• mosher
• composure
• cynosure
• disclosure
• enclosure
• exposure
• foreclosure
• inclosure
• nondisclosure
• postexposure

Kids Definition

osier

noun

ˈō-zhər 

1

: any of various willows with easily bent twigs used for making furniture and baskets

2

: a willow rod used for making baskets

3

: any of several American dogwoods