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

The new fragrance oil comes in a 10-millimeter, travel-friendly rollerball bottle and is an olfactory delight thanks to 12 musks: lily of the valley, ambergris, oakmoss and amber woods, among them.

From Los Angeles Times

I was alone in the night and the jewelry case, with nothing beside me but a crushed stalk of lily of the valley.

From Literature

With that Louise went sound asleep on the crushed lily of the valley.

From Literature

There were sprays of white lily of the valley, artfully arranged, and petals of orange blossom.

From Literature

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