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

Pale white willow ptarmigans flap through a frozen alpine landscape, seemingly invisible against the snow. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 June 2024

The larvae suck liquids from tree roots for sustenance, while adult cicadas drink from woody shrubs or trees, the National Wildlife Federation reports Oak, maple, willow and ash trees are dietary staples, but the bug will feed on any big plant available, according to Orkin. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024

The company also plans to support important pollinators like native bumblebees and monarch butterflies and protect species of special concern like the willow flycatcher. —Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 16 Feb. 2024

The floodplain forests along the upper Mississippi River are mostly made up of silver maple, cottonwood, willow, green ash and American elm. —Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2024

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

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