foliage

[foh-lee-ij]

noun

1. the leaves of a plant, collectively; leafage.

2. leaves in general.

3. the representation of leaves, flowers, and branches in painting, architectural ornament, etc.

foliage

/ ˈfəʊlɪɪdʒ /

noun

1. the green leaves of a plant

2. sprays of leaves used for decoration

3. an ornamental leaflike design

Other Word Forms

• foliaged adjective
• unfoliaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of foliage¹

1400–50; late Middle English foilage < Middle French fueillage, foillage, derivative of feuille leaf; influenced by Latin folium folium. See foil ², -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of foliage¹

C15: from Old French fuellage , from fuelle leaf; influenced in form by Latin folium

Example Sentences

It includes an image of an idyllic-looking path through bright green foliage that leads to a slave castle in Cape Coast, Ghana.

From Los Angeles Times

Even when an FPV is too high to see clearly, or hidden behind foliage, soldiers can hear its distinctive, high-pitched whine.

From BBC

As the warm L.A. day ebbs, the home’s expansive front window frames dense, variegated foliage falling into shadow.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Hunt showed the princess some examples of textiles by the Victorian designer, William Morris, and she said how much she liked the foliage design.

From BBC

It can grow up to 5 feet tall, and may lose many of its leaves in the summer, but occasional hot-weather irrigation will help retain its foliage.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• vegetation