magnolia

noun

mag·​no·​lia mag-ˈnōl-yə 

: any of a genus (Magnolia of the family Magnoliaceae, the magnolia family) of American and Asian shrubs and trees with entire evergreen or deciduous leaves and usually showy white, yellow, rose, or purple flowers usually appearing in early spring

Illustration of magnolia

Examples of magnolia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The coastal forest consists of scrub oaks and magnolias. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025

This warm, cozy fragrance can be worn year-round, but its mix of heady musk, powdery magnolia flowers, and green Bulgarian rose is especially fitting for winter’s comfiest moments. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 14 Dec. 2025

Wisteria, ivy, palm trees, magnolia trees, jasmine and gardenias are the most popular trees and plants found throughout the city. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 10 Dec. 2025

When kept in a vase with water, expect magnolia branches and leaves to stay fresh for about 4 to 6 weeks. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Pierre Magnol †1715 French botanist

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

magnolia

noun

mag·​no·​lia mag-ˈnōl-yə 

: any of a genus of North American and Asian trees or tall shrubs having usually showy white, yellow, rose, or purple flowers that appear before or sometimes with the leaves in the spring

Medical Definition

magnolia

noun

mag·​no·​lia mag-ˈnōl-yə 

1

capitalized : a genus (family Magnoliaceae, the magnolia family) of North American and Asian shrubs and trees including some whose bark has been used especially as a bitter tonic and diaphoretic in folk medicine

2

a

: any shrub or tree of the genus Magnolia

b

: the dried bark of a magnolia