snowdrop

[ snoh-drop ]

noun

1. any of several early-blooming bulbous plants belonging to the genus Galanthus, of the amaryllis family, native to Eurasia, especially G. nivalis, having drooping white flowers with green markings.

snowdrop

/ ˈsnəʊˌdrɒp /

noun

1. any of several amaryllidaceous plants of the Eurasian genus Galanthus, esp G. nivalis, having drooping white bell-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring

Word History and Origins

Origin of snowdrop¹

First recorded in 1655–65; snow + drop

Example Sentences

Claire Michelle, a snowdrop donor, said: “A snowdrop donor is someone who donates milk after the death of their baby,” she said.

From BBC

This spring, Lady Bamford, who is the founder of Daylesford Organic, a popular British lifestyle brand, hosted various lunches with themes inspired by plants grown on the estate, like snowdrops and tulips.

From Seattle Times

A carpet of snowdrops at an estate which plays host to The Great British Bake Off's famous white tent have been gobbled up by an horde of slugs.

From BBC

After all, demure hellebores and the first early snowdrops are thrilling in their own way.

From Seattle Times

The frustrating thing is that some of the forced bulbs won’t bloom until April — “and by then I’ve got daffodils outside, and snowdrops,” she said.

From Seattle Times

More About Snowdrop

What does snowdrop mean?

A snowdrop is a small, fragrant, white, bell-shaped flower with green markings.

The name snowdrop is also used for any plant in the genus Galanthus. The different members of the genus Galanthus vary in size. The scientific name of the common snowdrop flower is Galanthus nivalis.

Snowdrops are known for blooming in early spring. They are popularly cultivated for use in bouquets.

The snowdrop is one of the January birth flowers (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone).

Example: Look at all the snowdrops blooming in the meadow.

Where does snowdrop come from?

The first records of the word snowdrop come from the mid-1600s. The combination of the words snow and drop is a reference to the flower’s appearance. Snowdrops droop down from their stems.

Snowdrops are perennial plants that begin to sprout in the late winter to early spring. The snowdrop is native to Europe and Southeast Asia.

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with snowdrop?

• snow
• drop

What are some words that often get used in discussing snowdrop?

• white
• flower
• bouquet
• bloom
• cultivate
• perennial
• January

How is snowdrop used in real life?

Snowdrops are known for their use in bouquets and in gardens.

Beautiful carpet of snowdrops now appearing in Old Rashee Cemetery. This little flower looks like it's head is bowed praying. How very poignant 😔 @ANBorough #graveyards #flowers #SNOWDROP pic.twitter.com/Nd8vA0jodf

— Donna J (@DonnaHog1707) January 30, 2021

The snowdrop is a #birth #flower of January. An old poem tells that when Kenna, the #fairy king's daughter, poured the juice of the magical herb 'Moly' over her lover's lifeless body, he was transformed into a snowdrop. Evermore he returns to her each new year. #FolkloreThursday pic.twitter.com/AtABgWlv0I

— VenetiaJane's Garden (@VenetiaJane) January 7, 2021

January's flowers of the month are Carnations and Snowdrops! Carnations symbolizing deep love and affection, while Snowdrop symbolizes hope and rebirth. Both symbolize purity! pic.twitter.com/19RUkECsR8

— Shaymin Propaganda (@MythicShaymin) January 6, 2020

Try using snowdrop!

True or False?

Snowdrop flowers are turned upwards.