daffodil

noun

daf·​fo·​dil ˈda-fə-ˌdil How to pronounce daffodil (audio)
: any of various perennial bulbous herbs (genus Narcissus) of the amaryllis family
especially : one whose flowers have a large corona elongated into a trumpet compare jonquil, narcissus

Examples of daffodil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The nice weather is followed by a dousing of rain on Saturday, howling winds on Sunday that blow around the daffodils and a cold Sunday night. David Streit, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 King Charles of England used to be paid one daffodil annually as rent for the lands of the Islands of Scilly (located off the southwestern tip of Cornwall, England). Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 While the bulbs must be planted in fall, nowadays sprouting daffodils can be found in garden centers to plant in spring. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2024 Spring flowers, including tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, pansies and lilies, are displayed around the show's theme. Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2024 Peonies, daylilies and daffodils all fall into this category. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 19 Jan. 2024 Go with a number the color of a daffodil, then accessorize with gold jewelry, strappy sandals, and a coordinating handbag. Jake Smith, Glamour, 22 Feb. 2024 Two varieties of daffodil flowers also represent those born in March. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024 Azaleas and a bank of daffodils heralding spring seen from the west-facing front door. Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'daffodil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Dutch de affodil the asphodel

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of daffodil was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near daffodil

Cite this Entry

“Daffodil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daffodil. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

daffodil

noun
daf·​fo·​dil ˈdaf-ə-ˌdil How to pronounce daffodil (audio)
: any of various herbs that produce long slender leaves and flowers from an overwintering bulb in the spring
especially : one with petals whose inner parts are arranged to form a trumpet-shaped tube compare jonquil, narcissus

More from Merriam-Webster on daffodil

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