camellia

noun

ca·​mel·​lia kə-ˈmēl-yə 

: any of a genus (Camellia) of shrubs or trees of the tea family

especially : an ornamental greenhouse shrub (C. japonica) with glossy leaves and roselike flowers

Examples of camellia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Finish with the lightweight Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Oil Serum, which smooths frizz and dry ends with seven botanical oils, including argan, jojoba, and camellia. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026

Out back, five landscaped garden rooms are home to mature heirloom camellias, citrus and pomegranate trees, and other flora. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2026

Traditional ingredients include camellia (tsubaki) oil and rice water. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Common staples include green tea, rice bran, sake water and rice water, alongside camellia oil and fermented extracts. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Camellia, from Camellus (Georg Josef Kamel †1706 Moravian Jesuit missionary)

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for camellia

• melia
• telia
• adelia
• borrelia
• lobelia
• syringomyelia

Kids Definition

camellia

noun

ca·​mel·​lia kə-ˈmēl-yə 

: a greenhouse shrub that is related to the tea plant and has glossy evergreen leaves and showy roselike flowers