Babylonian weeping willow
- noun
- The Babylonian weeping willow is a popular choice for planting near ponds due to its graceful branches.
Examples
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A row of Babylonian weeping willows lined the edge of the historic estate.
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I planted a Babylonian weeping willow in my backyard.
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Gardeners prize the Babylonian weeping willow for its beautiful fall foliage and shade.
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The Babylonian weeping willow swayed gently in the breeze.
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A row of Babylonian weeping willows lined the edge of the historic estate.
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Gardeners prize the Babylonian weeping willow for its beautiful fall foliage and shade.
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The Babylonian weeping willow is a popular choice for planting near ponds due to its graceful branches.
Synonyms
A tree with long thin branches and narrow leaves that often grows near water
A tree with long hanging branches and thin leaves that often grows near water
A willow tree with long, drooping branches and thin leaves often called weeping willow
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'.