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

Like its classic counterpart, the scent is exciting, but this time the bright citrus, ginger, and creamy magnolia offer promise of what’s to come, rather than painting a picture of what’s happening in the current moment. —Irene Richardson, InStyle, 22 Feb. 2026

Paved walkways wind past magnolias and three historic waterfalls, with benches placed for lingering. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2026

Plants thrive in moist soil, and unlike other magnolias, sweet bay tolerates wet, boggy conditions, heavy clay, and salt. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026

As the scent settles, orange blossom and magnolia come forward, adding depth through easy-to-wear floral notes. —Allure, 17 Feb. 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