Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Hesperis

noun
Hes·per·is | \ ˈhespərə̇s \

Definition of Hesperis 

: a genus of biennial or perennial Eurasian herbs (family Cruciferae) having large purple or white racemose flowers — see dame's violet

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for Hesperis

New Latin, from Latin, dame's violet, from Greek, from feminine of hesperios of the evening, from hesperos, hespera evening

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Hesperis

Dictionary Entries near Hesperis

Hesperiidae

hesperinos

Hesperioidea

Hesperis

hesperitin

Hesperornis

Hesperornithiformes

Statistics for Hesperis

Look-up Popularity

Comments on Hesperis

What made you want to look up Hesperis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

lenitive

alleviating pain or harshness

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Musical Words Quiz

  • gramophone
  • Which word describes a musical performance marked by the absence of instrumental accompaniment?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games