magnolia

noun

mag·​no·​lia mag-ˈnōl-yə 

: any of a genus (Magnolia of the family Magnoliaceae, the magnolia family) of American and Asian shrubs and trees with entire evergreen or deciduous leaves and usually showy white, yellow, rose, or purple flowers usually appearing in early spring

Illustration of magnolia

Examples of magnolia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The team ultimately opted to make their model using magnolia, which is known for being lightweight and the least likely to crack. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2024

This long-lasting fresh scent offers notes of magnolia petals, violet leaves, and green bamboo that automatically evokes a sense of calm. —Kayla Greaves, Essence, 23 Nov. 2024

Bright, medium deep yellow; lovely aromas of lemon peel, melon, jasmine and magnolia. —Tom Hyland, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

The latter is replete with magnolia motifs, Su embroidery, and more than 70 original artworks. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Pierre Magnol †1715 French botanist

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

magnolia

noun

mag·​no·​lia mag-ˈnōl-yə 

: any of a genus of North American and Asian trees or tall shrubs having usually showy white, yellow, rose, or purple flowers that appear before or sometimes with the leaves in the spring

Medical Definition

magnolia

noun

mag·​no·​lia mag-ˈnōl-yə 

1

capitalized : a genus (family Magnoliaceae, the magnolia family) of North American and Asian shrubs and trees including some whose bark has been used especially as a bitter tonic and diaphoretic in folk medicine

2

a

: any shrub or tree of the genus Magnolia

b

: the dried bark of a magnolia