camellia

noun

ca·​mel·​lia kə-ˈmēl-yə How to pronounce camellia (audio)
: any of a genus (Camellia) of shrubs or trees of the tea family
especially : an ornamental greenhouse shrub (C. japonica) with glossy leaves and roselike flowers

Examples of camellia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Through a blend of camellia alba, blue ginger, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E, this antioxidant-rich mist delivers not only a refreshingly cool sensation, but ensures your skin is protected against antioxidants and quenched. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026 Most of all, Kay praises the formula for its smoothing and radiance-boosting effects, which can be chalked up to humectants like glycerin and propylene glycol, plus brightening Japanese persimmon leaf extract and camellia seed oil. — Jenny Berg, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026 Since these Amazon camellia trees are made from plastic, they can be kept outdoors throughout the year and still maintain their beautiful colors and vibrant leaves. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026 Over 600 glowing camellia and rhododendron bushes were planted by Sig. — Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for camellia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Camellia, from Camellus (Georg Josef Kamel †1706 Moravian Jesuit missionary)

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of camellia was in 1751

Rhymes for camellia

See All Rhymes for camellia

Browse Nearby Words

camelion
camellia
Camelliaceae
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Camellia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/camellia. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

camellia

noun
ca·​mel·​lia kə-ˈmēl-yə How to pronounce camellia (audio)
: a greenhouse shrub that is related to the tea plant and has glossy evergreen leaves and showy roselike flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on camellia

Nglish: Translation of camellia for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about camellia

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