Daphne

[ daf-nee ]

noun

1. Classical Mythology. a nymph who, when pursued by Apollo, was saved by being changed into a laurel tree.
2. (lowercase) Botany. any Eurasian shrub belonging to the genus Daphne, certain species of which, as D. mezereum, are cultivated for their fragrant flowers.
3. a female given name.

Daphne

¹

/ ˈdæfnɪ /

noun

1. Greek myth a nymph who was saved from the amorous attentions of Apollo by being changed into a laurel tree

daphne

²

/ ˈdæfnɪ /

noun

1. any shrub of the Eurasian thymelaeaceous genus Daphne, such as the mezereon and spurge laurel: ornamentals with shiny evergreen leaves and clusters of small bell-shaped flowers See also laurel

Word History and Origins

Origin of Daphne¹

< Latin Daphnē < Greek dáphnē laurel

Word History and Origins

Origin of Daphne¹

via Latin from Greek: laurel

Example Sentences

As Daphne becomes part of this world, she is hiding a secret about her family that could prove unsettling to her new circle.

From Washington Post

Daphne, Martin’s physical therapist, completes the household.

From Washington Blade

D.S.S.: I was certainly first inspired by both Daphne Araujo and Francoise Peschon when I worked at Araujo in 2001.

From The Daily Beast

International museums are interested in exhibiting her work; Lady Gaga, Daphne Guinness, and Bjork have worn her pieces.

From The Daily Beast

I think viewers assumed Daphne was a virgin because she was a ‘good girl’; a straight-A student, etc.

From The Daily Beast

Starring socialite Daphne Guinness, the film won four awards at the La Jolla Film Festival this fall.

From The Daily Beast

Daphne Merkin on the tempestuous, glamorous love affair—and the surprisingly literary side of Burton.

From The Daily Beast

He drew his chair back from Daphne's; he tried once or twice to stop or argue with her, and finally he rose abruptly.

From Project Gutenberg

Daphne, perceiving them sideways in a mirror to her right, could not repress a gesture and muttered sound of annoyance.

From Project Gutenberg

Daphne's "simplicity," the pose of her girlhood, was in fact breaking down in all directions.

From Project Gutenberg

Daphne's pink-and-black vivacity beside her seemed a pinchbeck thing.

From Project Gutenberg

But in the dead of night Daphne sat up in bed, looking at the face and head of her husband beside her on the pillow.

From Project Gutenberg