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

Flagsticks leaned like willows, straining to hold their ground. —Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025

The Halfdan Was Here cocktail calls for dill aquavit, clarified granny smith apple juice, celery, tarragon, musk willow water and lime. —Kevin Gray, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025

This natural mask is powered by salicylic acid precursor willow bark extract, which works with AHAs glycolic and lactic acids to gently slough away dead skin and decongest pores to give skin a glow. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2025

In early spring, bits of fluff appear along the branches of some willow shrubs, silvery gray and as soft to the touch as a kitten’s paw. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025

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