osier

noun

ˈō-zhər 

1

: any of various willows (especially Salix viminalis) whose pliable twigs are used for furniture and basketry

2

: a willow rod used in basketry

3

: any of several American dogwoods

especially : red osier

Examples of osier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Red osier dogwood is a native blooming shrub that is found along stream beds. —oregonlive, 27 Aug. 2021

Colorful bark is a main feature of red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea subsp. —Beth Botts, chicagotribune.com, 28 Feb. 2021

Such non-native woody plants as autumn olive and honeysuckle were sprayed, while natives such as red osier and gray dogwood were spared. —James F. McCarty, cleveland.com, 16 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin auseria osier bed

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing osier

• red osier

Kids Definition

osier

noun

ˈō-zhər 

1

: any of various willows with easily bent twigs used for making furniture and baskets

2

: a willow rod used for making baskets

3

: any of several American dogwoods