English Reference

Word

magnolia

Phoneticsmag·no·lia

US/mæɡˈnoʊɫjə/

UK/mæɡnˈəʊliə/

Definition

n. a tree or bush with large, beautiful flowers that are usually white, pink, or purple. It can also refer to a pale, creamy-white color.

n. a tree or shrub of the genus Magnolia, characterized by large, fragrant, often cup-shaped flowers. Also refers to a pale, off-white color with a slight yellow or pink tint.

Examples

“The magnolia in the garden is blooming beautifully this spring.”

“We decided to paint the hallway magnolia because it makes the small space feel brighter and warmer than plain white.”

“The southern magnolia is prized for its glossy evergreen leaves and massive white blossoms, though its shallow root system can make gardening beneath its canopy quite difficult.”

Examples

simple

“The magnolia in the garden is blooming beautifully this spring.”

contextual

“We decided to paint the hallway magnolia because it makes the small space feel brighter and warmer than plain white.”

complex

“The southern magnolia is prized for its glossy evergreen leaves and massive white blossoms, though its shallow root system can make gardening beneath its canopy quite difficult.”

Usage

Countable when referring to the plant or flower; uncountable when referring to the specific shade of paint or color.

Real-World Examples

“Those from high-rainfall areas—such as certain rhododendron, pieris, hydrangea, magnolia and sorbus—struggled this summer.”
Phys.org · 10 Sept 2026

The word in film

Magnolia · 1999 · Drama

Directed by:
Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring:
Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, John C. Reilly

Director Paul Thomas Anderson chose this title to represent the setting of this 1990s drama, which takes place on Magnolia Boulevard in Los Angeles. The film follows several different characters whose lives are connected through coincidence and shared pain.

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/magnolia

English Reference