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 Bulbs: Achimenes, African iris, African-lily, amaryllis, blood lily, bulbine, caladium, canna, crinum, crocosmia, dahlia, daylily, eucharis lily, gingers, gladiolus, gloriosa lily, Louisiana iris, rain lily, tuberose and walking iris. — Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 26 Feb. 2022 Most amaryllis plants are Dutch or African hybrids selected for flower size, color and ease of forcing. — Tim Johnson, chicagotribune.com, 22 Jan. 2022 Be sure your holiday gift is finished flowering as many amaryllis bulbs send up an additional shoot to enjoy. — Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 15 Jan. 2022 Tall, showy, colorful blooms like red amaryllis make a similar festive statement. — Christine Lennon, Sunset Magazine, 3 Dec. 2021 Most amaryllis bulbs are bought and given as gifts. — Chris Mckeown, The Enquirer, 4 Dec. 2021 Fresh greens and stockings decorate the mantel while pretty pink 'Spotlight' amaryllis layers the windowsill with seasonal cheer. — Anna Molvik, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2021 Use spider lilies, fall crocus, fall amaryllis, mums and asters for later flowers. — Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 26 July 2021 Landscapes have filled with red, pink, orange and white amaryllis displays. — Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 1 May 2021 See More

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.