primrose

¹

[ prim-rohz ]

noun

1. any plant of the genus Primula, as P. vulgaris English primrose, of Europe, having yellow flowers, or P. sinensis Chinese primrose, of China, having flowers in a variety of colors. Compare primrose family.
2. evening primrose.
3. pale yellow.

adjective

1. of or relating to the primrose.
2. Also primrosed. abounding in primroses:

   a primrose garden.

3. of a pale yellow.

Primrose

²

[ prim-rohz ]

noun

1. Archibald Philip, 5th Earl of Rosebery. Rosebery, Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of.

primrose

/ ˈprɪmˌrəʊz /

noun

1. any of various temperate primulaceous plants of the genus Primula, esp P. vulgaris of Europe, which has pale yellow flowers
2. short for evening primrose
3. Also calledprimrose yellow a light to moderate yellow, sometimes with a greenish tinge

adjective

1. of, relating to, or abounding in primroses
2. of the colour primrose
3. pleasant or gay

Word History and Origins

Origin of primrose¹

1375–1425; late Middle English primerose < Medieval Latin prīma rosa first rose

Word History and Origins

Origin of primrose¹

C15: from Old French primerose, from Medieval Latin prīma rosa first rose

Example Sentences

Zutant has since stepped back from Barkada day-to-day in order to dedicate time to Primrose.

From Washington Blade

But he put such thoughts from him—he had made his choice long ago, and it was not the primrose-path.

From Project Gutenberg

But the third sign—the first primrose and violet—was always the happiest, as well as quite the earliest.

From Project Gutenberg

His hair was a little less primrose coloured than it had been (pomatum does darken hair a little), but his eyes had not altered.

From Project Gutenberg

The names of the plant are a puzzle; botanically it is a Primrose, but it is never so called.

From Project Gutenberg

It was also a flower name, but not of our present Primrose, but of a very different plant.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• lush
• sensual
• voluptuous