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Definition of weeping willow
weeping willow
Plural:weeping willows
weeping willow Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
5
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
• noun
1
A widely cultivated ornamental tree of the willow family, originally native to northern China, characterized by its long, slender, downward-drooping branches and narrow leaves.
Example
"We laid our picnic blanket in the shade of the large weeping willow near the edge of the pond."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for weeping willowWord Origin & Etymology
The name references the tree's gracefully drooping, pendulous branches, which visually suggest falling tears or a posture of sorrow. The most common species, Salix babylonica, is native to dry areas of northern China, but was mistakenly named 'babylonica' by Carl Linnaeus who associated it with the trees mentioned in Psalm 137 of the Bible.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Weeping willow. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/weeping willow