cowslip

noun

cow·​slip ˈkau̇-ˌslip How to pronounce cowslip (audio)
1
: a common European primrose (Primula veris) with fragrant yellow flowers
2

Examples of cowslip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The perennial is often called Bethlehem sage, spotted dog, and Jerusalem cowslip. Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 4 Feb. 2023 Police said Wednesday that the six arrested the previous day for violating forestry laws had collected more than 132 kilograms of primula veris, or cowslip, which can garner 100 euros per kilogram. Fox News, 26 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cowslip.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cowslyppe, from Old English cūslyppe, literally, cow dung, from cow + slypa, slyppe paste

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cowslip was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near cowslip

Cite this Entry

“Cowslip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cowslip. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cowslip

noun
cow·​slip ˈkau̇-ˌslip How to pronounce cowslip (audio)

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