tulip

[ too-lip, tyoo- ]

noun

1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Tulipa, of the lily family, cultivated in many varieties, and having lance-shaped leaves and large, showy, usually erect, cup-shaped or bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors.
2. a flower or bulb of such a plant.

tulip

/ ˈtjuːlɪp /

noun

1. any spring-blooming liliaceous plant of the temperate Eurasian genus Tulipa , having tapering bulbs, long broad pointed leaves, and single showy bell-shaped flowers
2. the flower or bulb of any of these plants

Derived Forms

• ˈtulip-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• tulip·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tulip¹

1570–80; earlier tulipa < New Latin, apparently back formation from Italian tulipano (taken as adj.) < Turkish tülbent turban (from a fancied likeness); turban

Word History and Origins

Origin of tulip¹

C17: from New Latin tulipa , from Turkish tülbend turban, which the opened bloom was thought to resemble

Example Sentences

Trees found in cities such as the London plane or the tulip tree, are excellent at absorbing carbon dioxide and removing pollutants from the air.

From BBC

The plants sprouted in a tulip garden outside the Capitol, WMTV-TV reported Thursday.

From Seattle Times

This spring, Lady Bamford, who is the founder of Daylesford Organic, a popular British lifestyle brand, hosted various lunches with themes inspired by plants grown on the estate, like snowdrops and tulips.

From Seattle Times

People walk between rows of tulips in Canada, celebrities attend the Met Gala in New York City and new citizens take the Oath of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony in Miami.

From Seattle Times

From their belted sashes hung scimitars, throwing knives, and one particularly scary instrument that looked like meat hooks tied together in the shape of a tulip.

From Literature