narcissus

noun

nar·​cis·​sus när-ˈsi-səs 

1

Narcissus : a beautiful youth in Greek mythology who pines away for love of his own reflection and is then turned into the narcissus flower

2

plural narcissi när-ˈsi-ˌsī 

-(ˌ)sē

or narcissuses or narcissus : daffodil

especially : one whose flowers have a short corona and are usually borne separately

Examples of narcissus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The architecture is fascinating, with gods carved into the design, including a waterfall emerging from Narcissus’ mouth. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026

From carnations to narcissus, these birth month flowers carry special meanings and make beautiful, personal gifts or garden additions. —Jenny Krane, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026

Iris From tiny native dwarf crested iris (Iris cristata) to tall showy bearded iris (Iris germanica), these impressive flowers cover the bloom season between tulips, narcissus, and daylilies. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 27 Apr. 2026

Some kinds of bulbs, such as amaryllis and paperwhite narcissus, are not winter-hardy and have no chance to survive cold weather outdoors. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Nárkissos, probably so named after the flower; (sense 2) borrowed from New Latin, genus name, going back to Latin, "plant of the genus Narcissus," borrowed from Greek nárkissos, of pre-Greek substratal origin

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for narcissus

• abscissas
• symphysis
• adenohypophysis
• apophysis
• diaphysis
• dionysus
• epiphysis
• hemolysis
• hypophysis
• metaphysis
• electrophoresis
• neurohypophysis

Kids Definition

narcissus

noun

nar·​cis·​sus när-ˈsis-əs 

plural narcissi -ˈsis-ˌī 

-ē

or narcissuses or narcissus

: daffodil

especially : one whose flowers have a short tube and grow separately on the stalk