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

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

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