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

Outside, a heated pool, hot tub, cedar sauna, and cold plunge gather adjacent to a 100-year-old willow. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

Certain Species of Trees Not all types of trees are going to pose issues in your backyard, but Manning advises steering clear of certain aspens, willows, and silver maples. —Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 14 Apr. 2026

Wicker refers to the method of weaving—most outdoor wicker furniture features materials such as rattan, raffia, bamboo, and willow reeds. —Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 14 Apr. 2026

The interior decor is a little more relaxed — though Los Gatos has a pretty relaxed vibe as its baseline — with the addition of a delightful willow tree mural by the Chalk Chica in the waiting area. —Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 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