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

Ophelia was the love interest of Prince Hamlet in Shakespeare's iconic tragedy, and met her end after climbing a willow tree, falling from a broken branch and subsequently drowning in the brook below after Hamlet rejects her. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Often, they're made of materials like willow or rattan, and the natural wood ages beautifully over time. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025

The fantasy novella follows the Hawthorn family, who tend to the enchanted willows in the small town of Thistleford, on the edge of Faerie. —Emily St. Martin, Oc Register, 31 July 2025

Sauer spent years documenting the same willow oak in Washington, D.C., through seasonal cycles, offering a lyrical tribute to nature’s quiet strength and the passage of time. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 21 July 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