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

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows in big clumps in the branches of many types of deciduous trees, including apple trees, willows, and ash. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2025

Ancient pollen grains found inside the holes point to the presence of crops such as maize, as well as wild plants including reeds and willow that have traditionally been used to make baskets, Bongers noted. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025

It's mostly populated by Goodding's willow, a native species, and creeping water primrose, a non-native invasive. —Emma Bowman, NPR, 17 Nov. 2025

The 32 basket and gourd artworks by 14 artists are made from nature, out of materials ranging from willow, grasses and yucca to rushes. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025

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