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

The main culprit organizers identified was black chokeberry, but other problematic plants included willows and aspens. —Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025

For example, willow bark was administered for pain relief; and willow bark contains acetylsalicylic acid – aspirin. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

The riparian habitat, where plants like willows and mule fat grow along the creeks and rivers, could take five to 10 years. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025

Plant extracts like cypress leaf and skullcap help control oil production to stave off future congestion, while a blend of clarifying willow bark extract and salicylic acid helps break down dead skin cells within the pore to leave them looking clearer, tighter, and smaller. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 12 Mar. 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