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

Their focus is palpable, because immortality is at stake — and also because if one of them makes a false start, the judge will flog him with a willow switch. —Philip Montgomery, New York Times, 25 July 2024

Trees, especially birches and willows, displayed a glory of fall colors. —Anton Money, Outdoor Life, 15 Aug. 2024

In the dining room, a willow mural wallpaper by Fromental and the linen harlequin-print curtains sport a goldenrod colorway, while the adjacent catering kitchen has walls and cabinetry painted in another more buttery shade. —Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2024

Their dense foliage and flexible branches create perfect nesting sites for goldfinches, yellow warblers, and willow flycatchers. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2024

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

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