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

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

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 30 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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