camellia

American  

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

noun

1. 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.

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camellia British  

/ kəˈmiːlɪə /

noun

1. 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

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Etymology

Origin of camellia

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

Example Sentences

Tea, made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, has been consumed globally for centuries, initially for its medicinal properties and later as a popular beverage.

From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026

Kyoto-based Camellia Tea Ceremony allows customers to purchase only one tin of matcha each as visitor numbers doubled over the last year, says director Atsuko Mori.

From BBC • Jul. 25, 2025

Chlorophyll gives plants such as Camellia sinensis their green color.

From Salon • Nov. 7, 2024

There are many different triggers for an asthma attack, says Camellia Hernandez, an allergy and immunology specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, who was not involved in the GeoHealth study.

From Scientific American • Oct. 20, 2023

"Leave Camellia alone. She has to join the glorious conversation."

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton