willow

noun

wil·​low ˈwi-(ˌ)lō 

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

ˈwi-lō-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of willow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hyaluronic acid, white willow bark, and mixed fruit acid extracts are also included in the formula. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026

As part of the reallocation project, more than 100,000 cottonwoods, willows and shrubs were planted above the new high elevation line to offset the environmental impact of the trees that were lost. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026

Willow Bark Tea The bark of willow trees has been used as a pain medication worldwide for over 3,500 years. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2026

Their dense foliage and flexible branches create perfect nesting sites for goldfinches, yellow warblers, and willow flycatchers. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026

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

Phrases Containing willow

• weeping willow
• willow herb

Rhymes for willow

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

willow

noun

wil·​low ˈwil-ō 

: 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

-ˌlīk 

adjective