Magnolia Meaning
/ˌmæɡˈnəʊ.li.ə/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA tree or shrub in any species of the genus Magnolia, many with large flowers and simple leaves.
nounThe flower of a magnolia tree.
Sentence Examples
The magnolia tree stands over the wide lawn.
CEFR Practice Quiz
In the garden, the ____ tree bloomed with large pink flowers in early spring.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ trees were in full bloom, filling the entire garden with their very beautiful white flowers.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from translingual Magnolia, from French Magnol + -ia. Named after French botanist Pierre Magnol (1638–1715). The surname is a form of the male given name Magne, from Latin magnus, which in turn from Proto-Italic *magnos, from Proto-Indo-European *m̥ǵh₂nós, from *méǵh₂s (“great”). .
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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."
— 2011, Jesmyn Ward, Salvage the Bones, Bloomsbury (2017), page 158:
"Our blooming friend, the handsome and stalworth Magnolia, having got a confidential hint from agitated Mrs. Mack, trudged up to the mills, in a fine frenzy, vowing vengeance on Mary Matchwell, for she liked poor Sally Nutter well."
— 1863, Sheridan Le Fanu, The House by the Churchyard:
""Nobody could have a name like Magnolia."
"They could if they came from South Carolina, as she did. In the southern states of America you can't throw a brick without hitting a Magnolia.""
— 1971, P.G. Wodehouse, Much Obliged, Jeeves, Barrie and Jenkins, published 1971, page 24:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
In the garden, the ____ tree bloomed with large pink flowers in early spring.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ trees were in full bloom, filling the entire garden with their very beautiful white flowers.