poppy

[ pop-ee ]

noun

, plural pop·pies

1. any plant of the genus Papaver, having showy, usually red flowers. Compare poppy family.
2. any of several related or similar plants, as the California poppy or the prickly poppy.
3. an extract, as opium, from such a plant.
4. Also called poppy red. an orangish red resembling scarlet.
5. Architecture. poppyhead.
6. an artificial flower resembling a poppy, especially one received as evidence of a contribution to a fund for disabled war veterans.

poppy

¹

/ ˈpɒpɪ /

noun

1. any of numerous papaveraceous plants of the temperate genus Papaver, having red, orange, or white flowers and a milky sap See corn poppy Iceland poppy opium poppy
2. any of several similar or related plants, such as the California poppy, prickly poppy, horned poppy, and Welsh poppy
3. obsolete.
   any of the drugs, such as opium, that are obtained from these plants
4. 1. a strong red to reddish-orange colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      a poppy dress

5. a less common name for poppyhead
6. an artificial red poppy flower worn to mark Remembrance Sunday

poppy

²

/ ˈpɒpɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to pop music

Other Words From

• poppy·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of poppy¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English popæg, papig ≪ Vulgar Latin *papāvum, for Latin papāver

Word History and Origins

Origin of poppy¹

Old English popæg, ultimately from Latin papāver

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. tall poppy, Australian. someone of preeminence or with a large income; important and powerful person.

Example Sentences

This is just one of innumerous examples of how synthetics are the wave of the future: anyone cyber-savvy enough can acquire the equipment and ingredients, which are easier to hide and can better withstand the local weather than a coca crop or a poppy plantation, effectively democratizing the drug trade away from Mafia-esque syndicates.

From Salon

She was the first senior Sinn Féin figure to do so and the banner that was later attached to the shutters of her office in Cookstown, County Tyrone, featured the word "traitors" alongside bloody handprints and a poppy.

From BBC

The banner - which was put up at the office O'Neill shares with Mid Ulster MP Cathal Mallaghan in Cookstown in County Tyrone - featured the word "traitors" alongside bloody handprints and a poppy.

From BBC

Events and services take place around Armistice Day - 11 November - as well as Remembrance Sunday, and the poppy is a frequent sight throughout.

From BBC

Here is more on the origin of the poppy, its importance and why they continue to be a symbol of Remembrance in the UK.

From BBC

Related Words

• drug
• heroin
• morphine
• opiate