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

Expanding stands of willows seem to be providing more shade to streams and changing the ecology of fish, insects and birds, according to Chris Neill and Linda Deegan of the Woodwell Climate Research Center. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

Poplars, willows, and white mulberry trees can be a landscaping nightmare. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

Bright pink ribbons now mark a construction path where willow and mesquite trees once stood. — Carlos Morales, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026

In Maine, the birds went for aspen buds first, then blueberry fruits and buds, clover leaves, hazelnut flowers and buds, and willow buds and leaves. — Tom Huggler, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 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