camellia

noun

ca·​mel·​lia kə-ˈmēl-yə How to pronounce camellia (audio)
: any of a genus (Camellia) of shrubs or trees of the tea family
especially : an ornamental greenhouse shrub (C. japonica) with glossy leaves and roselike flowers

Examples of camellia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Fill hurricane vases with magnolia leaves, or something similar, for a green centerpiece, or place camellias in a crystal bowl for a delightfully bright focal point. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026 While the brand frequently makes use of her personal symbols, from lions to camellias, this necklace marks the introduction of wings as a new visual motif. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2025 With olive, camellia, coconut, and black cumin oils in the blend, this silky formula transforms from an oil into a soft foam cleanser, keeping skin supple and hydrated rather than tight. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Dec. 2025 This ammonia-free, oil-based (sunflower and camellia oil) formula helps preserve the integrity of your delicate strands while depositing long-lasting color. Taryn Brooke, Glamour, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for camellia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Camellia, from Camellus (Georg Josef Kamel †1706 Moravian Jesuit missionary)

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of camellia was in 1751

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Camellia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/camellia. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

camellia

noun
ca·​mel·​lia kə-ˈmēl-yə How to pronounce camellia (audio)
: a greenhouse shrub that is related to the tea plant and has glossy evergreen leaves and showy roselike flowers

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