fleur-de-lis

noun

variants or less commonly fleur-de-lys
plural fleurs-de-lis or fleur-de-lis also fleurs-de-lys or fleur-de-lys ˌflər-də-ˈlē(z) How to pronounce fleur-de-lis (audio)
ˌflu̇r-
1
2
: a conventionalized iris in artistic design and heraldry

Illustration of fleur-de-lis

Illustration of fleur-de-lis
  • fleur-de-lis 2

Examples of fleur-de-lis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The truly maximalist interior style mixed a variety of colors and patterns, including intricate William Morris designs, traditional damasks and fleur-de-lis, vibrant jewel tones, and rich woods. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2023 The piece features festoon and fleur-de-lis patterns, and it can also be worn as a necklace. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 18 Oct. 2023 Past the heavy wood front door is a fleur-de-lis crest embedded in the foyer’s marble floor, an indoor atrium that can be heated to temperatures high enough to grow tropical fruits and a library that consumes two levels of one of the turrets. Jeastman, oregonlive, 17 Aug. 2023 There are frescoes above stairways and a fleur-de-lis crest embedded in the foyer’s marble floor. Jeastman, oregonlive, 7 July 2023 The Andover Mills Kizer Hanging Porch Swing features a simple and elegant design but stands out for its striking fleur-de-lis shape on the seat back. Nor'adila Hepburn, Southern Living, 26 June 2023 Cibrian proposed with a 5-carat oval diamond set in rose gold fleur-de-lis connected to the band. Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 24 June 2023 Made of ivory and gold the ancient scepter features the national emblems of the rose, thistle, harp and fleur-de-lis with a cross, on which perches an enameled dove. Monique Jessen, Peoplemag, 10 May 2023 And the beautiful black helmet with the fleur-de-lis running down the center that debuted in 2022? Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fleur-de-lis.' 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

Middle English flourdelis, from Anglo-French flur de lis, literally, lily flower

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fleur-de-lis was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fleur-de-lis

Cite this Entry

“Fleur-de-lis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fleur-de-lis. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

fleur-de-lis

noun
variants or fleur-de-lys
ˌflərd-ᵊl-ˈē,
ˌflu̇rd-
plural fleurs-de-lis or fleur-de-lis or fleurs-de-lys or fleur-de-lys
ˌflərd-ᵊl-ˈē(z),
ˌflu̇rd-
1
2
: a simple drawing of an iris used in art and heraldry
Etymology

Middle English flourdelis "fleur-de-lis," from early French flur de lis, literally, "flower of the lily"

More from Merriam-Webster on fleur-de-lis

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