noun
magnolia
mag-NOH-lee-uh
Magnolia (noun) means a tree or shrub with large, often fragrant flowers and simple leaves. Example: “The magnolia in the front garden blooms with huge pink flowers every spring.”
noun
1
A tree or shrub with large, often fragrant flowers and simple leaves.
"There are clusters of magnolias that are so tall and green and glossy, they are impossible to climb, and the air around them always smells like peaches."
— Jesmyn Ward, Salvage the Bones (2011)
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- magnolias
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ in the front garden blooms with huge pink flowers every spring.
Etymology
Named after the French botanist Pierre Magnol (1638–1715).
Rhymes for magnolia
See all rhymes for magnolia →Frequently asked questions
What does “magnolia” mean?
The word “magnolia” means a tree or shrub with large, often fragrant flowers and simple leaves. In plain terms, either the flowering tree, or the soft off-white paint colour named after its blossoms.
How do you pronounce “magnolia”?
“Magnolia” is pronounced mag-NOH-lee-uh (/ˌmæɡˈnoʊ.li.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “magnolia” in a sentence?
Here is “magnolia” used in a sentence: “The magnolia in the front garden blooms with huge pink flowers every spring.”
What part of speech is “magnolia”?
“Magnolia” is a noun.
Where does the word “magnolia” come from?
The word “magnolia” dates back to around 1638 and comes from French. Named after the French botanist Pierre Magnol (1638–1715).
How many meanings does “magnolia” have?
“Magnolia” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tree or shrub with large, often fragrant flowers and simple leaves.
