Illustration of magnolia
magnolia
noun
mag·no·lia
mag-ˈnōl-yə 
: any of a genus (Magnolia of the family Magnoliaceae, the magnolia family) of American and Asian shrubs and trees with entire evergreen or deciduous leaves and usually showy white, yellow, rose, or purple flowers usually appearing in early spring
Examples of magnolia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some options here include bleeding hearts, violas, and aubrieta, as well as magnolia and rhododendrons.
—
Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 Apr. 2026
Evidence of Hurricane Michael’s destruction in 2018 can still be seen in the fledgling sweetgum, magnolia, oak, and hickory trees sprouting with new growth.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026
Outside, the Jill Griesse Historic Garden is always open for strolling among the magnolias and soaring plume poppies.
—Midwest Living, 1 Apr. 2026
This resort town is often lauded for its world-class golf and accommodations, but its 12 miles of uninterrupted shoreline, and the quiet oak- and magnolia-lined streets that surround them, are every bit as magical.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
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Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 Apr. 2026
Evidence of Hurricane Michael’s destruction in 2018 can still be seen in the fledgling sweetgum, magnolia, oak, and hickory trees sprouting with new growth.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026
Outside, the Jill Griesse Historic Garden is always open for strolling among the magnolias and soaring plume poppies.
—Midwest Living, 1 Apr. 2026
This resort town is often lauded for its world-class golf and accommodations, but its 12 miles of uninterrupted shoreline, and the quiet oak- and magnolia-lined streets that surround them, are every bit as magical.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for magnolia
Cite this Entry
“Magnolia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnolia. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
magnolia
noun
mag·no·lia
mag-ˈnōl-yə
: any of a genus of North American and Asian trees or tall shrubs having usually showy white, yellow, rose, or purple flowers that appear before or sometimes with the leaves in the spring
Medical Definition
magnolia
noun
mag·no·lia
mag-ˈnōl-yə
1
capitalized
: a genus (family Magnoliaceae, the magnolia family) of North American and Asian shrubs and trees including some whose bark has been used especially as a bitter tonic and diaphoretic in folk medicine
2
a
: any shrub or tree of the genus Magnolia
b
: the dried bark of a magnolia
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