lily

¹

[ lil-ee ]

noun

, plural lil·ies.

1. any scaly-bulbed plant of the genus Lilium, having showy, funnel-shaped or bell-shaped flowers. Compare lily family.
2. the flower or the bulb of such a plant.
3. any of various related or similar plants or their flowers, as the mariposa lily or the calla lily.
4. fleur-de-lis, especially as the symbol of France.
5. Bowling. a split in which the five, seven, and ten pins remain standing.

adjective

1. white as a lily:

   her lily hands.

2. delicately fair:

   a lily maiden.

3. pure; unsullied:

   the lily truth.

4. pale; fragile; weak.

Lily

²

or Lil·ly

[ lil-e ]

noun

1. a female given name.

lily

/ ˈlɪlɪ /

noun

1. any liliaceous perennial plant of the N temperate genus Lilium, such as the Turk's-cap lily and tiger lily, having scaly bulbs and showy typically pendulous flowers
2. the bulb or flower of any of these plants
3. any of various similar or related plants, such as the water lily, plantain lily, and day lily

Derived Forms

• ˈlily-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• lily·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lily¹

before 1000; Middle English, Old English lilie < Latin līlium; compare Greek leírion

Word History and Origins

Origin of lily¹

Old English, from Latin līlium; related to Greek leirion lily

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. gild the lily. gild ¹( def 4 ).

More idioms and phrases containing lily

see gild the lily .

Example Sentences

It also wears many names — the African desert banana, the crane lily — but formally, it is known as Strelitzia reginae and is one of five species of Strelitzia.

From Los Angeles Times

There is some food aid, but many in the area survive by foraging for water lily roots and fish to supplement their rations.

From BBC

Family members said a prayer and walked to the steps of parliament buildings where they lay a black wreath with five white lilies.

From BBC

Soon enough we understand its role in deciphering the woman sitting before us, centered in an opulent room with a lush bouquet of stargazer lilies behind her.

From Salon

"This image swirls with light, energy and a feeling of synchronised movement between the lilies and the tadpole tails," said Kathy Moran, Jury Chair and Editor.

From BBC