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