Star of Bethlehem

¹ American  

noun

1. the star that guided the Magi to the manger of the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:1–10.

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star-of-Bethlehem ² American  

[stahr-uhv-beth-lee-uhm, -li-hem] / ˈstɑr əvˈbɛθ li əm, -lɪˌhɛm /

noun

plural

stars-of-Bethlehem

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Ornithogalum, of the lily family, having grasslike leaves and clusters of white flowers.

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star-of-Bethlehem ¹ British  

noun

1. Also called: starflower.  a Eurasian liliaceous plant, Ornithogalum umbellatum , naturalized in the eastern US, having narrow leaves and starlike white flowers

2. any of several similar and related plants

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Star of Bethlehem ² British  

noun

1. the star that is supposed to have appeared above Bethlehem at the birth of Christ

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Etymology

Origin of star-of-Bethlehem

First recorded in 1565–75

Example Sentences

The Star of Bethlehem had not been able to be inspected or redisplayed due to the risk of the fragile Victorian glazing shattering and causing damage.

From BBC • Jul. 27, 2022

Both plants have similar needle-like leaves, but Star of Bethlehem doesn’t produce any garlicky or oniony smell when crushed.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 5, 2019

A slender golden pillar completes the set as the Star of Bethlehem.

From The Guardian • Dec. 20, 2012

The display created by artist church member John Zachary includes the phrase “Christ is born” and a Star of Bethlehem but no traditional manger figures.

From Washington Post • Dec. 29, 2011

And yet, His Rank to designate, The unquenched Star of Bethlehem Shines forth, a radiant diadem; While Angels on His footsteps wait.

From A Christmas Faggot by Gurney, Alfred