white willow

noun

1
: a large willow (Salix alba) of Eurasia and northern Africa that is often cultivated and has silky pubescent leaves, gray bark, and light soft tough wood

called also Huntingdon willow

2
: any of several American willows having canescent leaves

Word History

First Known Use

1527, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of white willow was in 1527

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near white willow

Cite this Entry

“White willow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20willow. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!