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Definition of willow

willow

/ˈwɪl.oʊ/
wil · low
Plural:willows
•
Adjective:willowy
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willow Lexical Profile

willow Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix, naturally found in temperate and cold climates of the Northern Hemisphere, characteristically growing near water and bearing narrow leaves and catkins.

Example

"We sat by the river, sheltered by the gracefully drooping branches of an ancient weeping willow."

2

The light, easily split, and pliant wood of the willow tree, traditionally used to weave baskets and manufacture cricket bats.

Example

"The skilled artisan spent the afternoon weaving soaked strips of willow into a sturdy harvest basket."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for willow

• Rhymes for willow

• Nearby Words

williston
willmar
willoughby
willow
willowbrook
willowherb
willowy

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'welig', which became 'wilwe' in Middle English and eventually 'willow'. It is related to Dutch 'wilg'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Willow. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/willow
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