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

Other Word Forms

• foliaged adjective
• unfoliaged 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

Few things better represent life’s varied ephemeralities than being excited about fall foliage’s exploding colors, just before the leaves die and become the primary ingredient in wintry, brown sidewalk sludge.

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They are known for causing significant annual delays and prompt discussion about how a country can be considered functioning if it can't deal with some damp foliage.

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It includes an image of an idyllic-looking path through bright green foliage that leads to a slave castle in Cape Coast, Ghana.

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Even when an FPV is too high to see clearly, or hidden behind foliage, soldiers can hear its distinctive, high-pitched whine.

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As the warm L.A. day ebbs, the home’s expansive front window frames dense, variegated foliage falling into shadow.

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Related Words

• vegetation