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Babylonian weeping willow

Babylonian weeping willow

8.1
A tree with long drooping branches and thin leaves often planted near ponds for shade
  • noun
translation icon : sauce llorón de Babilonia
  • The Babylonian weeping willow is a popular choice for planting near ponds due to its graceful branches.

Examples

  • A row of Babylonian weeping willows lined the edge of the historic estate.

  • I planted a Babylonian weeping willow in my backyard.

  • Gardeners prize the Babylonian weeping willow for its beautiful fall foliage and shade.

  • The Babylonian weeping willow swayed gently in the breeze.

  • A row of Babylonian weeping willows lined the edge of the historic estate.

  • Gardeners prize the Babylonian weeping willow for its beautiful fall foliage and shade.

  • The Babylonian weeping willow is a popular choice for planting near ponds due to its graceful branches.

Synonyms

willow
vsBabylonian weeping willow
36 1.8

A tree with long thin branches and narrow leaves that often grows near water

is a specific ornamental Chinese type, not the general genus
weeping willow
vsBabylonian weeping willow
2 3.1

A tree with long hanging branches and thin leaves that often grows near water

is the specific named variety rather than a broader common term
Salix babylonica
vsBabylonian weeping willow
  • Specialized
7.9

A willow tree with long, drooping branches and thin leaves often called weeping willow

is the common or variant name rather than the formal scientific label

Surface Forms

Morphology

Babylonian + weeping + willow

Each constituent contributes transparently: 'willow' identifies the tree, 'weeping' describes the drooping-branch habit, and 'Babylonian' marks a geographic or stylistic association. A B1 learner who knows these words would readily infer this refers to a type of willow with long, drooping branches (associated with Babylon or named after it), so the overall meaning is compositional and predictable.

Etymology

Babylonian weeping willow may come from a famous Bible picture: people taken to 'Babylon' sat by the rivers and hung their harps on willow branches as they cried. The tree's long, drooping branches look like tears, so weeping and willow explain why the name now means a willow whose branches seem to 'weep'.