noun
magnolia
mag-NOH-lee-uh
noun
1
A tree or shrub with large, often fragrant flowers and simple leaves.
"The magnolia in the front garden blooms with huge pink flowers every spring."
2
A pale creamy-white colour, similar to that of some magnolia blossoms.
"They painted the hallway magnolia to keep it neutral and bright."
How to Use Magnolia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the flowering tree, or the soft off-white paint colour named after its blossoms.
UK vs US
"Magnolia" as a paint colour is especially common in UK home décor, where it's a byword for a safe, neutral wall colour.
Common pairings
magnolia tree
painted magnolia
magnolia blossom
Word Forms
magnolias plural
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The _____ in the front garden blooms with huge pink flowers every spring.
Etymology
Named after the French botanist Pierre Magnol (1638–1715).