magnolia

noun

mag·​no·​lia mag-ˈnōl-yə How to pronounce magnolia (audio)
: 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

Illustration of magnolia

Examples of magnolia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web All the spin-off offices are represented: magnolias from New Orleans, roses from L.A., golden wattles from Sydney, plumerias from Hawai'i, and cherry blossoms from the Far East office, where Knight’s (Katrina Law) father is stationed. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 20 Feb. 2024 With a composition of magnolia, sandalwood, and violet at its heart, alongside ambrette, cedarwood, and amber, this is a genderless, truly layerable aroma. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2024 This local nonprofit has welcomed floral-loving guests since the ‘60s, and visitors can expect to see collections of rhododendrons, heathers, camellia, begonias, magnolias, fuchsias, and even wild mushrooms, depending on the season. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2024 The 356’s magnolia paint is pockmarked and patinated, while its oxblood-leather seat is creased and cracked with age. Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 2 Feb. 2024 Other floral attractions include Japanese magnolias. Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 The British singer also helped design the garden, which is dotted with large magnolia trees and sculpted plantings. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2024 The formulas are infused with skin-care ingredients, such as magnolia officinalis bark extract (known to soothe the skin) in the eyeshadows and jojoba, avocado and castor seed oils in the lip products for nourishment and hydration. Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2024 Notes: Pink freesia, rose petals, lily of the valley, magnolia, fresh jasmine Sizes: 3.4 oz., 1.7 oz. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magnolia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Pierre Magnol †1715 French botanist

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnolia was in 1739

Dictionary Entries Near magnolia

Cite this Entry

“Magnolia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnolia. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

magnolia

noun
mag·​no·​lia mag-ˈnōl-yə How to pronounce magnolia (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce magnolia (audio)
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

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