amaryllis

noun

am·a·ryl·lis | \ ˌa-mə-ˈri-ləs

Definition of amaryllis

1 : an autumn-flowering South African bulbous herb (Amaryllis belladonna of the family Amaryllidaceae, the amaryllis family) that is grown in gardens for its clusters of large, fragrant, usually white or pink flowers which resemble lilies and are borne on long, solid, leafless stems : belladonna lily

2 : any of various usually spring-flowering cultivars of a closely related chiefly South American bulbous herb (genus Hippeastrum) that are widely grown indoors in wintertime for their clusters of large, typically red, pink, salmon, or white, trumpet-shaped flowers which resemble lilies and are borne on long, hollow, leafless stems

Examples of amaryllis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The other plants used throughout the three houses range from lilies and azaleas to paperwhites, amaryllis, and mini-evergreens. — Robert Khederian, Town & Country, "How Newport's Gilded Age Mansions Are Decorated for Christmas," 13 Dec. 2018 Of these, 300 new and beneficial plants were introduced into Florida’s landscape, including palms, caladiums, hybrid amaryllis, hybrid magnolias, camellias and bromeliads. — Joy Wallace Dickinson, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Gotha historic treasure lands well-deserved aid," 20 May 2018 Try simple pots of red amaryllis and a tree for every main room in your house. — Colleen Egan, ELLE Decor, "Last-Minute Holiday Decorating Ideas from Designers," 3 Dec. 2014 When October arrives, put the amaryllis on a lean diet by watering only during the dry times and withholding fertilizer. — Tom Maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Keep corn feeders in check with natural sprays," 21 Apr. 2018 Bulb-type plants: Achimenes, African iris, agapanthus, amaryllis, blackberry lily, bulbine, caladiums, canna, crinum, crocosmia, day lily, eucharis lily, gladiolus, gloriosa lily, peacock ginger, society garlic, rain lily and walking iris. — Tom Maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "June in the garden," 26 May 2018 Many years ago there were several farmers growing amaryllis in the Orlando area. — Tom Maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Local amaryllis brimming with spring color," 4 Apr. 2018 Plus, there will be a display of Kidder's favorite flowers, pink amaryllis. — Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, "How Motor City Comic Con will honor Margot Kidder's memory," 16 May 2018 Big red blooms often with white stripes are likely spring displays of amaryllis. — Tom Maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Local amaryllis brimming with spring color," 4 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amaryllis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.