foliage

[ foh-lee-ij ]

noun

1. the leaves of a plant, collectively; leafage.
2. leaves in general.
3. the representation of leaves, flowers, and branches in painting, architectural ornament, etc.

foliage

/ ˈfəʊlɪɪdʒ /

noun

1. the green leaves of a plant
2. sprays of leaves used for decoration
3. an ornamental leaflike design

Derived Forms

• ˈfoliaged, adjective

Other Words From

• foli·aged adjective
• un·foli·aged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of foliage¹

1400–50; late Middle English foilage < Middle French fueillage, foillage, derivative of feuille leaf; influenced by Latin folium folium. See foil ², -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of foliage¹

C15: from Old French fuellage , from fuelle leaf; influenced in form by Latin folium

Example Sentences

The scientists manipulated the environment of immigrants by changing the foliage in the experimental aviaries as well.

From Science Daily

In trials where the foliage was not changed, only 25 percent of the newcomers tried the resident solution on the first attempt, even when locals were earning better food.

From Science Daily

But when fires burn too large and too frequently, as seen in the Camarillo area, the larger, more resilient foliage struggles to regrow, allowing for quick-growing, invasive grasses to take hold — which easily dry out and turn into kindling.

From Los Angeles Times

A Secret Service agent fired shots at a man with a gun who had hidden himself in foliage less near the former president.

From Los Angeles Times

Between fall’s radiant foliage and the year’s first snow, it’s “a time between two worlds, between two phases of the year,” and “a way of marking that ambiguous moment when you didn’t know who you were about to become, or what the future would hold.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• vegetation