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

The nearby Butterfly Garden, next to the parking lot, featured a young burgundy desert willow sporting delightful burgundy flowers. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026

Along with green tea comes anti-inflammatory Japanese mugwort and coix seed to decrease inflammation, plus willow bark extract to gently exfoliate (thanks to salicin, a chemical similar to salicylic acid) and balance oil production. —Sarah Felbin, Allure, 20 May 2026

This retrospective of the Ho-Chunk artist features minimalist sculptures made of willow branches, feathers and other organic materials. —Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 15 May 2026

For that reason, avoid planting hydrangeas near willow trees or other thirsty trees. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 15 May 2026

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