camellia

American

[kuh-meel-yuh, -mee-lee-uh] / kəˈmil yə, -ˈmi li ə /

noun

any of several shrubs of the genus Camellia, especially C. japonica, native to Asia, having glossy evergreen leaves and white, pink, red, or variegated roselike flowers.

camellia British

/ kəˈmiːlɪə /

noun

Also called: japonica. any ornamental shrub of the Asian genus Camellia, esp C. japonica, having glossy evergreen leaves and showy roselike flowers, usually white, pink or red in colour: family Theaceae

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of camellia

1745–55; named after G. J. Camellus (1661–1706), Jesuit missionary, who brought it to Europe; -ia

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The legacy of camellia growers such as F.M.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2025

The curiously curated common camellia from Portugal was a strong runner-up.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2024

A few looks paid homage to the camellia, Chanel's signature flower, and bridal wear, which Lagerfeld was best known for designing and showcasing.

From Salon • May 2, 2023

In the 1940s, a son, William Gordon Hayward, began packing red beans and branded the company for his wife’s favorite flower: the camellia.

From New York Times • Mar. 13, 2023

“You ladies need a critic with some taste and decency. Good heavens! Which one of you did this camellia? Speak up. The water in this bowl looks like motor oil.”

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023