camellia

noun

ca·​mel·​lia kə-ˈmēl-yə 

: any of a genus (Camellia) of shrubs or trees of the tea family

especially : an ornamental greenhouse shrub (C. japonica) with glossy leaves and roselike flowers

Examples of camellia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Plus, aside from tubing polymers, Japanese camellia extract moisturizes and fortifies, alongside a host of antioxidant-rich ingredients. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2025

Pruning time is over for azaleas, camellias and gardenias that are forming flowers buds. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025

Sun Exposure: Part shade Soil Type: Moist, well-draining, rich Soil pH: Acidic (5.5 to 6.5) Mature Size: 6-12′ high x 5-10′ wide There are as many camellia varieties as there are gardens to grow them in. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025

Just a few capfuls of this creamy blend transform plain water into a skin-softening soak, thanks to nourishing milk proteins, oat extract, and Japanese camellia oil. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 8 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Camellia, from Camellus (Georg Josef Kamel †1706 Moravian Jesuit missionary)

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for camellia

• melia
• telia
• adelia
• borrelia
• lobelia
• syringomyelia

Kids Definition

camellia

noun

ca·​mel·​lia kə-ˈmēl-yə 

: a greenhouse shrub that is related to the tea plant and has glossy evergreen leaves and showy roselike flowers