# willow

/ˈwɪˌɫoʊ/ (US) · /wˈɪləʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/willow
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the tree

noun · CEFR B2

a tree with long, thin branches that hang down, usually growing near rivers or lakes.

For teachers: any of various deciduous trees or shrubs in the genus Salix, characterized by narrow leaves and flexible branches.

- The willow branches dipped into the river as the water flowed past.
- A majestic weeping willow stood at the water's edge, its pendulous branches creating a natural curtain over the riverbank.

### 2. the wood

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the light, strong wood from a willow tree.

For teachers: the wood of the Salix tree, valued for its lightness, toughness, and shock resistance.

- The basket was woven from thin strips of willow.
- English willow is the preferred material for high-quality sports equipment due to its unique combination of durability and low density.

### 3. a cricket bat

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · British English

a casual name for a cricket bat, because they are made from willow wood.

For teachers: a metonym for a cricket bat, referring to the material from which it is traditionally manufactured.

- He picked up his willow and walked out to the middle of the field.
- The sound of leather hitting willow echoed across the village green on a quiet Saturday afternoon.

Usage: Usually used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the sport or the bat generally.

### 4. to move like a willow

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to move or bend in a graceful way, like the long branches of a willow tree.

For teachers: to move, sway, or form a shape reminiscent of the slender, flexible branches of a willow tree.

- The tall grass willow ed in the light breeze.
- The dancer's arms willow ed above her head, mimicking the fluid motion of trees in a storm.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.