daffodil

[ daf-uh-dil ]

noun

1. a bulbous plant, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, of the amaryllis family, having solitary, yellow, nodding flowers that bloom in the spring.
2. (formerly) any plant of the genus Narcissus.
3. clear yellow; canary.

adjective

1. of the color daffodil.

daffodil

/ ˈdæfədɪl /

noun

1. Also calledLent lily a widely cultivated Eurasian amaryllidaceous plant, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, having spring-blooming yellow flowers
2. any other plant of the genus Narcissus
3. 1. a brilliant yellow colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      daffodil paint

4. a daffodil, or a representation of one, as a national emblem of Wales

Word History and Origins

Origin of daffodil¹

1530–40; unexplained variant of Middle English affodile < Vulgar Latin affodillus, variant of asphodelus < Greek asphódelos asphodel

Word History and Origins

Origin of daffodil¹

C14: from Dutch de affodil the asphodel, from Medieval Latin affodillus, variant of Latin asphodelus asphodel

Example Sentences

The plants have even made their way onto her arms - tattoos of a cheese-plant leaf, a fern, wisteria and a daffodil - covering self-harm scars, traces of her painful journey.

From BBC

When Daffodil Tyminski of Venice contacted City Hall a month ago, hoping she could finally get some help with busted sidewalks after 20 years of failed attempts, she was told that fixes are the responsibility of the property owner.

From Los Angeles Times

The display garden is over 7 acres, with over 1 million bulbs and nearly 200 different tulip, daffodil and other flower types.

From Seattle Times

Kazzy's younger sister Nicola spotted a promotion by a jewellery company for St David's Day, with prizes that included daffodil jewellery.

From BBC

Despite never entering a competition before, Kazzy scooped the top prize of daffodil earrings, later writing to the promoter to say she felt she was "meant to win".

From BBC

Related Words

• adage
• aphorism
• axiom
• dictum
• epigram
• maxim
• witticism