willow

noun

wil·​low ˈwi-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce willow (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Salix of the family Salicaceae, the willow family) of trees and shrubs bearing catkins of apetalous flowers and including forms of value for wood, osiers, or tanbark and a few ornamentals
2
: an object made of willow wood
especially : a cricket bat
willowlike adjective

Examples of willow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To Steve’s amazement, the bear suddenly dropped to all fours and stepped backward – five or 10 yards into the alders and willows. Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025 Middleton wore the patch pocket jacket in willow green along with the Alina trousers in the same shade by the British designer and former Spice Girls member. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025 An herbal analogue to aspirin can be made from decocting the bark of a willow tree into tea. Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025 Here, plant extracts like cypress leaf and skullcap help balance oil and prevent future congestion, while willow bark extract and salicylic acid clear out dead skin and visibly tighten pores. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for willow

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wilghe, wilowe, from Old English welig; akin to Middle High German wilge willow

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of willow was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Willow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willow. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

willow

noun
wil·​low ˈwil-ō How to pronounce willow (audio)
: any of a genus of trees and shrubs that often have narrow leaves, produce catkins for flowers, and include some used for their wood, for making baskets, or as ornamentals
willowlike adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on willow

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