willow
n. countablen. a tree with long, thin branches that hang down and narrow leaves. It usually grows near water and its wood is very flexible.
n. a deciduous tree or shrub of the genus Salix, typically found near water and characterised by narrow leaves and flexible branches.
The willow tree hangs its branches over the river.
We sat in the shade of a large weeping willow while watching the boats pass on the lake.
The artisan preferred using willow for weaving baskets because the slender branches could bend into tight curves without snapping or losing their structural integrity.
From willow.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Often used in the compound form 'weeping willow' to describe the specific variety with drooping branches.
Last updated May 3, 2026