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

These serene spots, often reached by a short trek, are surrounded by chestnut and willow trees. —Carissa & Dino Tozzi, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2025

When a storm blew up the willow in my yard, my wife’s grave got exposed. —Ayad Akhtar, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024

So his assistants took matters into their own hands, cornering a 235-pound black bear and tying it to a willow tree. —Sarah Holzmann, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Feb. 2025

This deodorant contains ingredients like willow bark (to prevent ingrown hairs) and niacinamide (to brighten underarms). —Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 31 Jan. 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