Willow: meaning, definitions and examples

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willow

[ˈwɪləʊ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

tree species

A willow is a type of tree that is known for its narrow leaves and flexible branches.

Synonyms

willow tree.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
willow	Same as above - a general term to refer to plants of the willow genus. It can also be used poetically or in expressions. The gentle sound of the willow's leaves was soothing. His cricket bat was made from fine willow.
willow tree	This is more specific and commonly used when talking about the entire tree, especially in descriptive or detailed contexts. We had a beautiful willow tree in our backyard. The willow tree by the river is a popular spot for picnics.

Word

Description / Examples

willow

Same as above - a general term to refer to plants of the willow genus. It can also be used poetically or in expressions.

The gentle sound of the willow's leaves was soothing.
His cricket bat was made from fine willow.

willow tree

This is more specific and commonly used when talking about the entire tree, especially in descriptive or detailed contexts.

We had a beautiful willow tree in our backyard.
The willow tree by the river is a popular spot for picnics.

Examples of usage

The willow tree swayed in the breeze.
The leaves of the willow tree rustled softly.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

basket weaving

Willow refers to the flexible branches of the willow tree that are often used in basket weaving.

Synonyms

willow branches.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
willow	This can also refer to the flexible wood or thin branches of the willow tree, often used in contexts relating to crafting or decoration. They used willow to make the basket. The sculpture was made from twisted willow.
willow branches	This phrase specifically refers to the branches of the willow tree, usually in contexts involving decoration, crafting, or natural observations. Willow branches were used to create an arch for the wedding. He admired the way the willow branches draped over the water.

Word

Description / Examples

willow

This can also refer to the flexible wood or thin branches of the willow tree, often used in contexts relating to crafting or decoration.

They used willow to make the basket.
The sculpture was made from twisted willow.

willow branches

This phrase specifically refers to the branches of the willow tree, usually in contexts involving decoration, crafting, or natural observations.

Willow branches were used to create an arch for the wedding.
He admired the way the willow branches draped over the water.

Examples of usage

The basket was made from willow branches.
The craftswoman expertly wove the willow into a beautiful basket.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

herb

In some cultures, willow is used as an herbal remedy for pain relief and inflammation.

Synonyms

willow bark.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
willow	The term generally refers to the entire willow tree, which is known for its slender branches and narrow leaves. It is often mentioned in literature and conversations about nature, poetry, and landscaping. The willow by the pond swayed gently in the wind. She loved to sit under the willow and read her favorite book.
willow bark	This phrase specifically points to the outer covering of a willow tree, which contains medicinal properties that have been used historically to reduce pain and inflammation. It is frequently used in discussions related to natural remedies and traditional medicine. Willow bark has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever. He decided to try willow bark tea to help with his headache.

Word

Description / Examples

willow

The term generally refers to the entire willow tree, which is known for its slender branches and narrow leaves. It is often mentioned in literature and conversations about nature, poetry, and landscaping.

The willow by the pond swayed gently in the wind.
She loved to sit under the willow and read her favorite book.

willow bark

This phrase specifically points to the outer covering of a willow tree, which contains medicinal properties that have been used historically to reduce pain and inflammation. It is frequently used in discussions related to natural remedies and traditional medicine.

Willow bark has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever.
He decided to try willow bark tea to help with his headache.

Examples of usage

She brewed a tea from willow bark for her headache.
Willow extract is a common ingredient in natural pain relief products.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'willow' comes from the Old English 'wilig', which is related to the Latin word 'salix'.
Different cultures have named the tree in various languages that reflect its adaptability and beauty, such as 'saule' in French.

Cultural Significance

In Chinese culture, the willow is seen as a symbol of flexibility and resilience, often used in poetry and art.
The weeping willow is a popular symbol of mourning in many cultures, representing sadness but also comfort in times of loss.

Environmental Importance

Willow trees thrive near water, helping to prevent soil erosion by stabilizing riverbanks with their strong roots.
They provide essential habitats for various wildlife, including birds and insects, promoting biodiversity.

Medicinal Uses

Historically, willow bark has been used in traditional medicine to relieve pain, due to its salicylic acid content, which is a precursor to aspirin.
Extracts from willow are often used in herbal remedies and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Art and Literature

Willow trees have been a popular subject in art, symbolizing growth and adaptability, famously depicted in paintings by artists like Claude Monet.
In literature, willows often symbolize sorrow or loss, providing a backdrop for poignant moments.

Translations

Translations of the word "willow" in other languages:

🇵🇹 salgueiro

🇮🇳 बबूल

🇩🇪 Weide

🇮🇩 pohon willow

🇺🇦 верба

🇵🇱 wierzba

🇯🇵 柳 (やなぎ)

🇫🇷 saule

🇪🇸 sauce

🇹🇷 söğüt

🇰🇷 버드나무

🇸🇦 صفصاف

🇨🇿 vrba

🇸🇰 vŕba

🇨🇳 柳树 (liǔ shù)

🇸🇮 vrba

🇮🇸 víðir

🇰🇿 тал

🇬🇪 ჭალა (chala)

🇦🇿 söyüd

🇲🇽 sauce

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,763, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
11760 guise
11761 amortization
11762 stagnation
11763 willow
11764 obstructions
11765 roast
11766 quantitatively
...