lily of the valley

noun

, plural lilies of the valley.

1. a plant, Convallaria majalis, having an elongated cluster of small, drooping, bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers.

lily of the valley

noun

1. a small liliaceous plant, Convallaria majalis, of Eurasia and North America cultivated as a garden plant, having two long oval leaves and spikes of white bell-shaped flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of lily of the valley¹

First recorded in 1555–65

Example Sentences

In his hand was a bouquet: baby’s breath and a stalk or two of lily of the valley, tastefully tied up in thread.

From Literature

The former prime minister, who left Downing Street in May 2019, is portrayed holding a lily of the valley - a plant which usually flowers in the month of May.

From BBC

It’s also part of a collection inspired by one of the house’s lucky charms: the lily of the valley.

From Los Angeles Times

In spring, the bulbs send up long, straplike leaves resembling those of lily of the valley, but with a characteristic alliaceous odor.

From Seattle Times

She wore her hair in a low bun and carried a bouquet of lilies of the valley.

From Seattle Times