cowslip

[ kou-slip ]

noun

1. an English primrose, Primula veris, having fragrant yellow flowers.
2. the marsh marigold.
3. shooting star ( def 2 ).
4. Virginia cowslip.

cowslip

/ ˈkaʊˌslɪp /

noun

1. Also calledpaigle a primrose, Primula veris, native to temperate regions of the Old World, having fragrant yellow flowers
2. another name for marsh marigold

Word History and Origins

Origin of cowslip¹

before 1000; Middle English cowslyppe, Old English cūslyppe, equivalent to cū cow ¹ + slyppe, slypa slime; slip ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of cowslip¹

Old English cūslyppe; see cow ¹, slip ³

Example Sentences

Now found mostly in southern England, this butterfly's caterpillar feeds on cowslips and primroses.

From BBC

"I collected cowslips and elderflowers to make ice cream for the summer."

From BBC

The machair, the great grass carpet that covers almost everything, has cowslips, primroses and wild hyacinths pushing up at the spring sun.

From The Guardian

“Up, Beetle, and to the cottage for cowslip, mugwort, and pepper. By the Fourteen Holy Helpers, Joan will have to sneeze this baby out!”

From Literature

Come to think of it, she had heard of yellow flowers called cowslips; maybe this was their special flower.

From Literature