Synonyms

willowy

American

[wil-oh-ee] / ˈwɪl oʊ i /

adjective

willowier, willowiest

pliant; lithe.
(of a person) tall, slender, and moving gracefully.
abounding with willows.

willowy British

/ ˈwɪləʊɪ /

adjective

slender and graceful
flexible or pliant
covered or shaded with willows

"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 willowy

First recorded in 1760–70; willow + -y ¹

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.

They found sap on a slim, willowy tree.

From Literature

The willowy Australian set a record for most Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers and popped up in movies and TV shows, including a recurring role on “Friends,” before starting a wellness company.

From Los Angeles Times

Macon stood to the side, not willowy at all—more like a brick with the corners chopped off.

From Literature

Younglings hatch in the ocean, then drift to the coast as willowy, transparent glass eels.

From National Geographic

Fans have latched onto their look, turning up to concerts in willowy ball gowns and elaborate headgear.

From BBC

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