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 video, Maitlis said, even shows Catherine surrounded by what appears to be daffodils, which symbolize hope for those affected by cancer. Alice Li, Washington Post, 23 Mar. 2024 The first flowers to bloom in Paradise after the Camp Fire were daffodils, a North African species widely hybridized. Peter Rubin, Longreads, 23 Mar. 2024 Flower emblems of the four nations of the U.K. — a rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock — were also featured on the underskirt and cuffs of each sleeve. Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024 If daffodils are fully emerged and in bud or bloom, some damage may occur. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024 Others said her hair moves unnaturally, or that the bed of daffodils in the background is suspiciously still. Tatum Hunter, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2024 In the video message, the Princess of Wales sat on a bench before a row of yellow daffodils, a flower used by cancer organizations around the globe as a symbol of hope for those navigating the disease. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024 The 42-year-old Princess of Wales was seen sitting on a park bench in front of a field of blooming daffodils, a flower that has become known as a symbol of hope and resilience for cancer patients and survivors. Pilar Arias, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2024 Kate filmed her statement alone, sitting outside on a bench near a bloom of golden daffodils – a symbol of spring and new beginnings if ever there was one. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 24 Mar. 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 16 Apr. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!