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

No matter your mood, your soul will brighten at the sight of a saucer magnolia in this condition. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026

The floral scent is a little outside of my comfort zone but the notes of sandalwood, rose, and magnolia sold me. —Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 31 Jan. 2026

All of its radiance-granting powers are effectively put towards a scent that comes alive with glowy warmth, courtesy of the mandarin, magnolia, coconut, sandalwood, and other ingredients found within. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 Jan. 2026

This local nonprofit has welcomed flower-loving guests since the ‘60s, and visitors can expect to see collections of rhododendrons, heathers, camellias, begonias, magnolias, fuchsias, and even wild mushrooms, depending on the season. —Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2026

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